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http://www.archive.org/details/customsofserviceOOpowerich 


CUSTOMS  OF  THE  SERVICE. 


THE  ARMY,  NATIONAL  GUARDS,  AND 
VOLUNTEERS. 


Compiled  from  Authentic  Sources 
by 

COLONEL  JAMES  W.  POWELL, 

United  States  Army. 


^  OF    iHB         '  r  ^ 

UNIVERSITY 


KANSAS   CITY,   MO.: 
TxlE    HUDSON-KlMBERLY    PUBLISHING   CO. 

1899. 


Copyright,  1899,  by 
Hudson-Kimberly  Publishing-  Co. 


CONTENTS. 

Partial  List  of  Aaclioiit'c'5  Consulted .*  5 

Preface 7 

Customs  of  the  Service 9 

Routine  of  Duty 12 

Guard  Duty 20 

First  Day 22 

Second  Day 22 

Grades  in  Organization  of  the  Army  and  Volunteers,  with 

Monthly  Pay  for  Less  Than  Five  Years  of  Service. . .  30 
Grades  and  Pay,  Monthly,  Enlisted  Men,  First  Year,  First 

Enlistment 37 

Company 37 

Regiment 37 

Post 37 

Hospital  Corps 38 

Infantry 40 

Cavalry 41 

Heavy  Artillery 41 

Field  Artillery 42 

Engineers 42 

Signal  Corps 43 

Ordnance  Department 43 

The  Captain '. 45 

The  Lieutenant 48 

Non-Commissioned  Officers 48 

The  First  Sergeant 54 

Post  Non-Commissioned  Staff 57 

Musicians 61 

Engineer  Soldiers 62 

The  Infantry  Soldier 62 

The  Cavalry  Soldier 63 

The  Artilleryman 64 


_85165 


2     ^  Contents, 

Ordnance  Soldiers 65 

Subsistence 66 

Commutation 69 

The  Ration 70 

Cooking 71 

Bread 75 

Water 76 

Spirituous  Liquors 77 

Coffee 78 

Tea , 79 

Meats 80 

Beans  and  Pease 82 

The  Emergency  Ration 82 

Military  Clothing 83 

Field  Uniforms,  Canvas  and  Summer 87 

Allowance  of  Clothing  in  Kind 93 

Allowance  for  Clothing  to  Enlisted  Men 94 

Military  Instruction 95 

Troops  in  Campaign 98 

Movements  by  Rail 104 

Movements  by  Water 106 

Battles Ill 

Marches 112 

Army  Sanitation  and  Camping 116 

Wounds 123 

Outpost  Duty 125 

Advance  and  Rear  Guards 132 

Army  Correspondence ; 133 

Rules  for  Indexing 137 

Stationery 138 

Telegraphing 139 

Boards  of  Survey 140 

Military  Orders 143 

Courts-Martial 145 

Arrests 150 

Form  for  Record  of  a  Garrison  Court-Mar tial 151 


Contents.  ^ 

Form  for  Sentences 153 

Form  of  Brief 154 

Desertion 155 

Leave  of  Absence  for  Officers 157 

Furloughs   to   Soldiers 159 

Muster-Rolls 161 

Final  Statements 162 

Clothing  Account 165 

U.  S.  Army  Recruiting  Circular 166 

The  Signal  Code 169 

Miscellaneous 170 

Colors 170 

Flags 171 

Salutes  with  Cannon. 171 

Soldiers'  Home .172 

Detached  Service 172 

Officers'  Baggage 173 

Deceased  Soldiers 174 

Public  Quarters — Officers' 175 

Loss  of  Private  Property 175 

Company  Records 175 

Transfers 176 

Public  Property 176 

Mourning 176 

Route  Step 177 

Manual  of  Arms 177 

The  Post  Exchange 177 

Visiting  the  Fortifications 178 

The  Trumpet  Calls 178 


PARTIAL  LIST  OF  AUTHORITIES  CONSULTED 

AND  USED  IN  THE  PREPARATION  OF 

THIS  COMPILATION. 

U.  S.  Army  Regulations,  1895.    (A.  R.**») 

U.  S.  Army  Manual  of  Guard  Duty,  War  Dept.,  1893. 

(M.  G.  D.**) 
Troops  in  Campaign,  War  Dept.,  1892.    (T.  C.**) 
Manual  for  Cooks,  War  Dept. 
Subsistence  Manual,  U.  S.  Army,  War  Dept. 
Paymaster's  Manual,  U.  S.  Army,  War  Dept. 
U.  S.  Army  Manual  for  Courts-Martial,  A.  Murray,  2d 

edition.  War  Dept.,.  1898. 
U.  S.  Army  Drill  Regulations,  War  Dept. 
The  Service  of  Security  and  Information,  by  Lieut.-Col. 

A.  L.  Wagner,  U.  S.  A. 
Notes  on  Military  Hygiene,  by  Col.  A.  A.  Woodhull, 

D.  S.  G. 
A  Precis  of  Modern  Tactics,  by  Col.  R.  Home,  C.  B., 

Royal  Engineers. 
Tactical  Deductions,  Boguslawski. 
Infantry  Tactics,  Von  Scherff. 
Organization  and  Administration,  by  Col.  G.  A.  Furse, 

C.  B. 
General  Orders  and  Circulars,  War  Dept.,  A.  G.  O. 

(G.  O.****,  C.**»*) 

The  context  does  not  always  admit  of  exact  quotation. 

-1— 


PREFACE. 

These  papers  are  only  rudimentary  outlines  of 
duties  which  should  be  familiar  to  every  man  in  the 
Army;  they  present  few  original  views  and  do  not  pre- 
tend to  be  other  than  a  compilation,  with  observations 
gained  from  long  experience.  This  work  is  undertaken 
to  assist  our  comrades,  who  at  time  of  hurried  prepara- 
tion have  neither  the  leisure  nor  the  books  for  refer- 
ence. We  should  all  know  ^'how  it  is  done,"  or  where 
the  information  can  be  found.  Careful  observance  of 
the  requirements  here  shown  of  the  life  military  and 
what  like  is  war  will  aid  all  soldiers.  It  is  con  eded 
that  these  matters  would  have  been  learned  in  time; 
nevertheless,  it  is  an  aid  which  the  writer  would  have 
appreciated  in  his  early  service  days.  Drill  is  an  essen- 
tial means  of  discipline,  teaches  promptness,  attention, 
celerity  of  movement,  and,  well  learned,  proves  its 
value  on  the  battle-field.  All  the  same,  there  are  very, 
very  many  things  not  learned  in  the  armory  or  ^^barrack 
square  drilP^  which  rise  up  from  the  instant  we  begin 
campaigning:  how  to  feed,  to  clothe,  to  rest,  to  conserve 
the  health,  to  have  all  of  our  men  at  the  front  at  the 
decisive  moment  which  wins  or  loses  battles,  and  in 
fighting  condition.  ^^Nothing  is  so  expensive  as  an  un- 
healthy military  force,"  and  when  we  consider  that 


8  Preface, 

during  the  war,  '61  to  '65,  99,183  white  troops  died 
from  the  casualties  of  battle  and  171,806  from  dis- 
ease, the  necessity  of  that  discipline  being  exerted 
which  cares  for  health  of  the  troops  is  apparent,  if 
higher  considerations  were  absent.  Sickness  is  not  in 
general  spontaneous,  and  to  the  able-bodied  man,  with 
cleanliness,  absolute  care  both  in  eating  and  drinking, 
and  true  observance  of  the  sanitary  precautions  herein 
set  forth,  there  is  no  good  reason  why  good  health  may 
not  be  maintained.  Men  of  robust  health  often  take 
unnecessary  chances,  injudicious  eating  and  driiiking, 
lying  on  damp  shaded  ground  when  over-heated  from 
drill,  feel  that  they  can  stand  anything  and  everything, 
and  won't  take  care  until  down  with  disease — then 
too  late. 

The  importance  and  usefulness  in  our  military 
world  of  knowing  the  fundamental  principles  and  how 
things  should  be  done  from  the  start  in  military  ser- 
vice is  imperative;  hence  this  compilation  of  Regula- 
tions and  Customs  of  the  Service. 


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CUSTOMS  OF  THE  SERVICE. 

Military  Law  is  derived  from  both  written  and  un- 
written sources.  The  Written  sources  are  the  Arti- 
cles of  War;  Statutory  Enactments  relating  to  the  mil- 
itary service;  Army  Regulations;  General  and  Special 
Orders  and  decisions  promulgated  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment and  by  department,  post,  and  other  commanders, 
and  which  do  not  contravene  existing  law.  The  Un- 
written source  is  the  "Custom  of  War  in  like  cases," 
consisting  of  the  customs  of  the  service  both  in  peace 
and  war. 

It  is  enjoined  in  the  Army  Regulations  r^  All  per- 
sons in  the  military  service  are  required  to  obey  strictly 
and  to  execute  promptly  the  lawful  orders  of  their 
superiors.  Military  authority  will  be  exercised  with 
firmness,  kindness,  and  justice.  Punishments  must 
conform  to  law  and  follow  offenses  as  promptly  as  cir- 
cumstances will  permit.  No  person  in  the  military  ser- 
vice shall  be  punished  by  flogging,  or  by  branding, 
marking,  or  tattooing  on  the  body.^  Superiors  are  for- 
bidden to  injure  those  under  their  authority  by  tyran- 


lA.  R.  1-5. 

2A.  W.  98. 

—2- 


10  Customs  of  the  Service. 

nical  or  capricious  conduct,  or  by  abusive  language. 
Courtesy  among  military  men  is  indispensable  to  dis- 
cipline; respect  to  superiors  will  not  be  confined  to 
obedience  on  duty,  but  will  be  extended  on  all  occa- 
sions. Deliberations  or  discussions  among  military 
men  conveying  praise  or  censure,  or  any  mark  of  appro- 
bation toward  others  in  the  military  service,  and  all 
publications  relating  to  private  or  personal  transac- 
tions between  officers,  are  prohibited. 

To  bring  the  military  forces  to  the  highest  state 
of  efficiency^  and  most  speedily  accomplish  what  is  ex- 
pected should  be  the  earnest  effort  and  call  forth  the 
best  energies  of  all  its  members  of  whatsoever  station. 
All  authority  should  be  exercised  with  firmness,  equity, 
and  decorum  on  the  part  of  superiors,  and  should  be 
respected  by  implicit  obedience  and  loyal  support  from 
subordinates.  Every  officer  of  whatever  grade  will,  so 
far  as  may  be  in  his  power,  guard  and  preserve  the 
health  and  welfare  of  those  under  his  charge.  He  must 
labor  diligently  and  zealously  to  perfect  himself  and  his 
subordinates  in  military  drill,  instruction,  and  disci- 
pline; and  above  all,  he  must  constantly  endeavor,  by 
precept  and  example,  to  maintain  the  highest  character, 
to  foster  and  stimulate  that  true  soldierly  spirit  and 
patriotic  devotion  to  duty  which  must  characterize  an 
effective  army. 


IG.  O.  57,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  11 

The  Articles  of  War  shall  be  read  and  published,^ 
once  in  every  six  months,  to  every  garrison,  regiment, 
troop,  or  company  in  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  to  all  organizations  and  to  every  recruit  within  six 
days  after  entering  the  service.  Ignorance  does  not 
excuse  offenses  nor  acts  done  when  drunk.  Orders 
should  be  clearly  given  and  seen  to  that  they  are  under- 
stood. While  drunkenness  is  no  excuse  for  disobedi- 
ence of  orders,  an  order  should  not  be  given  a  soldier 
who  is  from  the  condition  of  drunkenness  incapacitated 
to  understand  it;  in  such  case,  he  should  be  at  once 
placed  in  confinement  and  brought  to  trial  under  the 
62d  Article  of  War.  Voluntary  drunkenness  furnishes 
per  se  no  excuse  or  palliation  for  criminal  acts.  It  is 
so  inexcusable  in  itself  that  the  law  has  never  recog- 
nized it  as  an  excuse  for  crime.  It  may,  however,  be 
admitted  in  some  cases,  and  as  showing  want  of  dis- 
tinctive intent.    (See  1  Winthrop,  410-13.) 


lA.  W.  2  and  128. 


12  Customs  of  the  Service. 


ROUTINE  OF  DUTY. 

The  following  illustrates  ordinary  daily  routine 
and  service  calls.  Army  Regulations  fix  the  time  in 
the  cases  indicated,  thus  (A.  R.***),  the  small  marginal 
letters  merely  referring  to  explanatory  notes  following : 

General  Orders^  ^Fort , 

No May ,  1898. 

The  following  Hours  for  Serrice  and  other  Calls 
are  established: 

(a)  Reveille  (A.  R.  383) 6:00  a.  m. 

(h)  BreaJifast  (A.  R.  384). 6:15  a.  m. 

(Police  of  quarters  and  grounds.)^ 

(c)  Sick 6:35  a.m. 

(d)  Drill 7:00  a.m. 

Drill,  re-call 8:30  a.  m. 

(e)  Fatigue,  call  sounded  when  fatigues  are  needed. 

(f)  Guard-mount 9:00a.m. 

(g)  Officer's  Call .10:00  a.  m. 

(h)  First  Sergeants 11:45  a.  m. 

(j)  Dinner  (A.  R.  384) 12:00  m. 

(d)  Drill 1.00  p.m. 

Drill,  re-call 2:30  p.m. 


lA.  R.  770-783. 
2A.  R.  387. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  13 

(k)  School  Call,  for  non-com.  officers 3:00  p.m. 

(s)  Retreat  and  Parade  (A.  R.  386) Sunset 

(I)  Supper  (A.  R.  384) 5:30  p.  m. 

(m)  Tattoo  (A.  R.  383) 9:00  p.  m. 

(n)  Call  to  Quarters  (A.  R.  383) .  .10:45  p.  m. 

Taps  (A.  R.  383) 11:00  p.  m. 

Inspections,!  Saturday  and  last  day  of 

each  month 8:00  a.  m. 

(o)  Church,  Sundays 10:00  a,  m.  and  7:30  p.  m. 

(p)  Warning  Calls  precede  Assembly  by  ten  minutes. 

(q)  By  order  of  Colonel  Scott. 

(r)  Edwin  SchuyUvy 
1st  Lieut.  26th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Adjutant. 
Official. 

(r)  (Signature.) 

(Rank,  etc.) 

(a)  ^Reveille  roll-call  in  garrison  will  not  ordinarily 
take  place  earlier  than  5:30  a.  m.  in  summer,  or 
6:30  a.  m.  in  winter.  Two  roll-calls  daily  at 
Reveille  and  Retreat,  and  commanding  officers 
may  also  order  roll-calls  in  special  cases  at  such 
times  as  they  may  deem  necessary.  The  roll 
will  be  called  on  the  company  parade  by  the 
first  sergeant,  superintended  by  a  commissioned 
officer.  If  companies  are  quartered  together  in 


lA.   R.   266,    452,   200-1. 
2A.  R.  383. 


14  Customs  of  the  Service. 

contiguous  barracks,  one  officer  may  superin- 
tend tiie  roll-call  of  two  or  more  of  them,  pro 
vided  he  can  do  so  efficiently,  the  commanding; 
officer  regulating  the  practice  in  this  respect. 
(h)  ^Fifteen  minutes  after  Reveille;  the  men  allowed 
at  least  twenty  minutes  for  breakfast. 

(c)  ^The  enlisted  men  of  each  company  who  require 

medical  attention  will  be  conducted  to  the  hos 
pital  by  a  non-commissioned  officer,  who  will 
give  to  the  attending  surgeon  the  Company 
Sick  Report  Book  containing  the  names  of  the 
sick.  The  surgeon,  after  examination,  will  indi- 
cate in  the  book,  opposite  their  names,  the  men 
who  are  to  be  admitted  to  hospital  and  those 
to  be  returned  to  quarters,  what  duties  the  lat- 
ter perform,  with  any  other  information  in 
regard  to  the  sick  which  he  may  have  to 
communicate  to  company  commanders.  Men 
marked  "Quarters"  are  required  to  remain  at 
their  quarters.  Officers^  names,  when  sick,  are 
borne  on  same  book,  and  they  confer  with  the 
surgeon  at  their  quarters  or  the  hospital,  as 
circumstances  require. 

(d)  Drill  hours  are  regulated  by  the  commanding  offi- 

cer; generally  three  hours  daily,  except  Satur- 
days.   And  see  notes  on  Drill,  infra. 


lA.  R.  384. 
2A.  R.  1431. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  15 

(e)  Usually  the  men  who  have  marched  off  guard  the 

day  previous,  called  "old  guard  fatigue,"  are 
marched  in  a  soldierly  manner  (never  permit 
straggling)  to  report  to  the  quartermaster  or 
other  designated  officer  for  fatigue  work  or 
general  police  (cleaning  up  the  grounds),  and 
on  completion  of  the  labor  are  then  dismissed. 
Except  in  emergencies,^  no  duty  will  be  re- 
quired of  the  old  officer  of  the  day  or  the  old 
guard  until  four  hours  after  they  have  been 
relieved. 

(f)  ^The  men  warned  for  duty  fall  in  on  their  company 

parade-grounds,  non-commissioned  officers  and 
supernumeraries  falling  in  as  file-closers;  are 
verified  and  inspected  by  the  first  sergeants;  as 
the  band  plays,  following  Adjutant's  Call,  are 
marched  to  the  parade-ground.  (See  I.  D.  R. 
257-264.) 

(g)  Officers  assemble  at  headquarters,  for  instruction 

in  and  discussion  of  drill  and  Army  Regula- 
tions, battle  exercises,  and  instruction  in  first 


IM.  G.  D.  26. 

2At  guard-mount  (I.  D.  R.  715):  "1.  Officers  and  non- 
commissioned officers,  front  and  center.  2.  March."  In  the 
more  military  form,  the  adjutant  then  assigns  their  positions, 
as  commander  of  the  guard,  etc.,  indicating  also,  with  his 
saber,  the  person  designated.  The  inspection  ended  (I.  D.  R. 
719),  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  having  taken  his  posi- 
tion, the  adjutant  announces  selection  of  the  orderly  to  the 
commander  of  the  guard  by  name. 


16  Customs  of  the  Service. 

aid^  to  the  sick  and  wounded  by  the  surgeon. 
It  will  be  observed  that  Captain's  Call  is  the 
first  two  bars  of  OfiQeer's  Call  with  the  Atten- 
tion added. 

(h)  First  sergeants  repair  to  sergeant-major's  oflSce 
and  copy  in  their  order  books  orders  of  the  day 
(to  be  presented  to  the  captain,  and  to  the  lieu 
tenants  if  affecting  them) ;  take  notice  of  guard 
and  other  details.  Copies  of  orders  enterod- 
by  first  sergeants  in  company  order  books  will 
be  attested  by  the  adjutant. 

(  j  )  ^Not  earlier  than  12  m.  nor  later  than  12:15  p.  m. 
Thirty  minutes  allowed  for  dinner. 

(  k  )  "Non-commissioned  oflScers  assemble  by  company, 
for  instruction  in  military  matters  by  an  officer 
of  the  company. 

(  s  )  ^There  will  be  daily  one  parade,  morning  or  even- 
ing, as  the  commanding  officer  may  direct, 
which  will  not  be  dispensed  with  except  on 
urgent  occasions  (this  is  no  longer  termed 
"dress  parade")-  All  officers  and  men  will  be 
present  unless  specially  excused  or  on  duty  in- 
compatible with  such  attendance.     The  flag  will 


IG.  O.  60,  1897. 
2A.  R.  264. 
3A.  R.   384. 
41.  D.  R.  185. 
5A.  R.  449. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  17 

be  lowered  at  the  sounding  of  the  last  note  of 
the  Retreat,  and  while  the  flag  is  being  lowered 
the  band  will  play  "The  Star-spangled  Banner." 
The  troops  will  stand  at  attention  while  the 
flag  is  being  lowered. 

(I)  ^Not  earlier  than  5  nor  later  than  6 :30  p.  m.  Twenty 
minutes  allowed  for  supper. 

(m)  ^Ordinarily  there  will  not  be  any  formation  for 
roll-call  at  Tattoo,  but  the  prescribed  signal 
will  be  sounded,  and  fifteen  minutes  thereafter 
lights  in  squad-rooms  (and  of  course  in  tents) 
will  be  extinguished  and  all  noises  and  loud 
talking  will  cease. 

(  n  )  At  Taps  all  lights  not  authorized  by  the  command 
ing  officer  will  be  extinguished  and  the  first  ser- 
geant (or  other  non-commissioned  officer,  as  the 
company  commander  may  direct)  will  inspect 
each  company  and  report  to  the  officer  of  the 
day  the  names  of  all  unauthorized  absentees. 
(Call  to  Quarters,  new  music  for,  see  Cav.  Drill 
Regs.,  p.  476.) 

(o)  The  Orders  of  President  Lincoln^  and  Army  Regu- 
lations^ prescribe  that  an  orderly  observance  of 
the  Sabbath  by  the  officers  and  men  in  the 


lA.  R.  384. 

2A.  R.  383. 

SExecutive  Order,  Nov.  15,  1862. 

4A,  R.  202. 


18  Customs  of  the  Service, 

military  service  is  enjoined.  Military  duty  and 
labor  on  Sunday  will  be  reduced  to  the  measure 
of  strict  necessity.  (Cliurch  Call  in  C.  D.  K. 
differs  from  this  call  as  in  I.  D.  R.) 

(p)  ^Warning  Calls  are:  First  Call,  Guard-mounting, 
Full  Dress,  Overcoats,  Drill,  Stable,  Water, 
and  Boots  and  Saddles;  Mess,  Church,  and 
Fatigue  may  also  be  u^ed  as  Warning  Calls. 
When  full  dress  or  overcoats  are  to  be  worn, 
the  Full  Dress  or  Overcoat  Call  immediately 
follows  the  Warning  Call.  Alarm  Calls  are: 
Fire  Call;  To  Arms,  the  signal  for  the  men  to 
fall  in  under  arms,  dismounted,  on  their  parade- 
grounds,  as  soon  as  possible;  To  Horse,  the  sig- 
nal for  the  men  to  proceed  under  arms  to  their 
horses,  saddle,  mount,  and  assemble  at  a  desig- 
nated place, as  quickly  as  possible;  In  Extended 
Order,  this  signal  is  also  used  to  remount  the 
troops.  Boots  and  Saddles  is  the  signal  for 
mounted  formations;  it  immediately  follows 
the  Warning  Call.  Stables  and  Water  (C.  D.  R. 
995-1000,  pp.  468-469)  are  sounded  at  posts  of 
mounted  troops  as  directed.  The  General  is  the 
signal  for  striking  tents,  which  fall  at  the  last 
note;  it  is  preceded  by  a  Warning  Call. 

(  q  )  General  oflflcers  use  the  expression  "By  command" ; 
other  officers,  "By  order." 
II.  D.  E.  769;  C.  D.  R.  1130. 


Customs  of  the  ^^rrricc.  19 

(r)  Tlie  adjutant  si^iis  tlie  original  order  in  the  order 
book  only;  all  other  coi)ies  are  made  '^officiar' 
by  his  signature  or  of  an  aide  to  a  general  offi- 
cer. Orders  from  the  War  Department  are 
authenticated^  with  an  impression  seal.  The 
adjutant  also  verifies  the  correctness  of  orders 
from  his  office  which  have  been  copied  in  tlieir 
order  books  by  the  first  sergeants,  by  signing 
"Official''  and  his  signature.  Orders^  issued  by 
battalion  and  company  commanders  are  simply 
denominated  "Orders";  those  of  higher  units, 
as  posts,  regiments;  etc.,  are  denominated  "Gen- 
eral" or  "Special  Orders." 


IG.  O.  21,  1894. 
2A.  R.  770. 


20  Customs  of  the  Service. 


GUARD  DUTY. 

The  most  important  work  of  the  soldier  and  the 
method  of  its  performance  stamps  efficiency  of  the 
troops.  All  details  for  guard  shall  be  made  by  roster; 
a  list  of  men  for  duty,  with  record  of  duty  performed 
by  each.  Generally,  details  for  duty  are  made  so  that 
the  one  longest  off  is  the  first  for  detail.  In  making 
details  by  roster,  an  officer  or  enlisted  man  is  each  day 
charged  with  the  number  of  days  that  he  has  remained 
present  and  available  sinee  the  beginning  of  his  last 
tour.  In  the  field,  when  the  commanding  officer  deems 
it  advisable,  a  company  may  be  detailed  to  form  the 
guard,  the  captain  being  the  ofQcer  of  the  day,  and  the 
lieutenants  officers  of  the  guard.  The  following  are  the 
usual  rosters  relative  to  guard  duty : 

1.  Officers  of  the  day. 

2.  Officers  of  the  guard. 

3.  Sergeants  of  the  guard. 

4.  Corporals  of  the  guard. 

5.  Musicians  of  the  guard. 

6.  Privates  of  the  guard. 

The  first  two  are  kept  by  the  adjutant;  the  third, 
fourth,  and  fifth,  by  the  sergeant-major,  under  the  su- 
pervision of  the  adjutant,  or  by  the  first  sergeants  of 
companies,  as  directed  by  the  commanding  officer;  the 
sixth  is  always  kept  by  the  first  sergeants. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  21 

The  sergeant-major  determines  the  number  of  pri- 
vates to  be  detailed  from  each  company  by  the  follow- 
ing rules:  Take  the  number  of  privates  for  duty  in 
each  company  from  its  morning  report  for  the  day  next 
preceding  that  on  which  the  tour  of  duty  is  to  com- 
mence, deducting  details  for  detached  service  of  over 
twenty-four  hours,  made  after  the  morning  report  has 
been  received;  the  total  of  these  gives  the  total  num- 
ber of  privates  available.  Then:  the  total  strength  is 
to  the  strength  of  a  company  as  the  total  detail  is  to  the 
detail  from  the  company;  multiply  the  total  detail  by 
the  strength  of  the  company,  and  divide  the  result  by 
total  strength;  carry  out  to  two  places  of  decimals,  dis- 
regarding all  smaller  fractions.  This  rule  is  applied 
for  each  company.  The  whole  numbers  in  the  results 
thus  obtained  are  added  together,  and  if  the  total  is 
less  than  the  total  detail  required,  add  1  to  the  whole 
number  in  the  result  that  has  the  largest  fraction,  and 
so  on  for  each  company  till  the  required  total  is  ob- 
tained. There  will  thus  be  a  difference  between  the 
exact  proportion  and  the  number  detailed  from  each 
company;  this  difference  is  carried  forward  to  the  next 
day's  proportion,  to  be  added  if  a  company  has  fur- 
nished less,  or  to  be  subtracted  if  a  company  has  fur- 
nished more  than  its  exact  proportion,  thus: 


22 


Customs  of  the  Service, 


FIRST  DAY. 

ro    CO 

o  u  u 

5* 

d 

.S^S 

"& 

o 

ctf 

be 

-co  bfl 

Q 

"u 

p- 

etail 
ing; 
ble 

a 

2 

CJ 

to 

Q 

H 

p. 

A 

25 

X 

14 

160 

2.18 

B 

24 

X 

160 

2.10 

C 

30 

X 

160 

2.62 

D 

22 

X 

160 

1.92 

E 

22 

X 

160 

1.92 

F(Cav 

)    37 
160 

X 

160 

3.23 

11 

'd         ^  {^ 

<1  Q  P 

2  .18a 

2  .10a 

1  3  .38s 

1  2  .08s 

1  2  .08s 

*3  .23a 

14 


♦Troop  F  furnishes  3  stable  guard  and  no  post  guard. 


SECOND  DAY. 


H 
c« 
P. 

a 

o 
a 

A 
B 
C 
D 
E 


U) 

a 


CO 


o  u  u 

.,-1    t*H  PJ 

^co  bo 
Q 


.2      ^ 


o 
o 


o  bc_: 


™  n3  ^ 
o  'd  <i> 
H      <t1      Q 


27     X 
23     X 


14 
14 

28     X     14 

23     X 

21     X 


14 
14 


s 


"So 

CO  i3 

160  2  36  .18a  2.54  2  .54a 

160  2  01  .10a  2.11  2  .11a 

160  2.45  .388  2.07  2  .07a 

160  2.01  .08s  1.93  1      2  .07s 

160  1.83  .08s  1.75  1      2  .25s 

F  (Cav.)     38     X     14     ^     160  3.32  .23a  3  55  1     t4  .45s 


11 


fTroop  F  furnishes  3  stable  guard  and  1  post  guard. 


14 


Customs  of  hiJ&Wmi^^^^  ^J  23 

The  adjutant  will  select  arweerfy  for  the  com- 
manding officer  from  the  members  of  the  new  guard, 
an  extra  man  being  detailed  for  guard  for  this  purpose, 
the  selection  made  during  the  inspection  at  guard- 
mounting;  that  soldier  will  be  chosen  who  is  most  cor- 
rect in  the  performance  of  duty  and  in  military  bear- 
ing, neat  in  person  and  clothing,  and  whose  arms 
and  accoutrements  are  in  the  best  condition.  When 
directed  by  the  commander  of  the  guard  to  fall  out  and 
report:  leaving  his  rifle  in  his  company  rack,  he  will 
proceed  to  the  commanding  officer,  reporting,  ^^Sir,  Pri- 
vate   ,  Co. — , Regt.,  reports  as  orderly.     If  a 

cavalryman,  he  will  report  equipped  with  saber  and 
belt  The  orderly,  while  on  duty  as  such,  is  subject 
to  the  orders  of  the  commanding  officer  only;  he  may 
be  permitted  to  sleep  in  his  company  quarters;  his  tour 
ends  when  relieved  by  the  new  orderly.  Other  officers 
are  not  allowed  orderlies,  and  none  will  be  detailed  for 
the  purpose.^  An  exception  to  this  order^  directs  that 
the  inspector-general  be  furnished  an  orderly.  Guards 
are  relieved  every  twenty-four  hours,  with  two  hours 
on  post  and  four  hours  off;  during  the  latter  period 
remaining  on  duty  at  the  guard-house  or  tent  at  rest, 
but  without  removing  their  equipments.  During  his 
tour  of  guard  duty  a  soldier  is  subject  to  the  orders  of 
the  commanding  officer,  the  officer  of  the  day,  and  the 


IG.  O.  120,  1890. 
2G.  O.  81,  1898. 


^4  Customs  of  the  Service. 

officers  and  non-commissioned  officers  of  the  guard 
only.  Details  will,  as  far  as  practicable,  be  made  so  as 
to  insure^  that  privates  have  only  one  tour  in  seven 
days,  and,  except  in  emergencies,  are  not  detailed  for 
guard  oftener  than  once  in  five  days.  It  may  be  re- 
marked that  this  is  the  requirement  in  garrison,  but 
in  the  presence  of  danger  due  discretion  must  be  exer 
cised  as  to  the  number  of  sentinels  required.  One  super- 
numerary from  each  company  will  be  detailed,  being 
the  next  man  for  guard  on  the  roster;  he  is  paraded 
with  the  guard  at  guard-mounting,  and  in  readiness 
during  the  tour  of  twenty-four  hours  to  fill  a  vacancy 
on  the  guard;  they  will  not  be  detailed  for  anything 
which  may  interfere  with  this  duty,  but  are  not  exempt 
from  ordinary  camp  and  garrison  duties;  if  not  called 
for  during  this  period,  he  is  first  on  the  guard  detail  the 
next  day.  Sentences^  imposing  tours  of  guard  duty  are 
forbidden.  All  persons,  of  whatsoever  rank  in  the  ser- 
vice, are  required  to  observe  respect  toward  sentinels. 
When  inspecting  sentinels,  questions  asked  of  them 
should  be  of  such  a  character  as  to  ascertain  their 
knowledge  of  their  duties  and  surroundings,  without 
seeking  to  confuse  them.  Unless  necessity  therefor 
exists,  no  person  will  require  a  sentinel  to  quit  his 
piece,  even  to  allow  it  to  be  inspected.  Sentinels  dur- 
ing the  day,  when  not  on  post,  are  employed  over  work- 


IM.  G.  D.,  par.  27. 
2A.  R.  939. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  25 

ing  parties  of  post  or  camp  prisoners;  this  duty  being 
likewise  arranged,  if  possible,  with  two  hours  on  and 
four  hours  off. 

Sentinels  must  execute  their  orders  with  firmness 
and  determination;  will  not  permit  any  trifling  or  non- 
sense; they  have  commands  to  be  obeyed;  make  them 
so.  Do  not  leave  post  without  proper  authority  or 
orders;  life  may  be  endangered,  but  do  the  duty  pre- 
scribed at  all  hazards.  If  for  any  reason  leaving  post 
seems  necessary,  call,  ^^Corporal  of  the  guard,  No.  ** 
relief.''  To  permit  himself  to  be  surprised  by  any  de- 
gree of  inattention  or  slightest  carelessness,  or  to.  fall 
asleep,  are  grave  crimes ;  so  grave,  indeed,  that  in  war- 
times the  latter  is  punishable  with  death.  Understand 
clearly  what  orders  require,  and  then,  if  lawful,  obey 
them,  enforce  them,  without  hesitation;  disobedience 
of  a  lawful  order  is  perilous.  Don't  abuse  authority 
or  subject  prisoners  to  humiliation;  have  no  talk  with 
any  person  while  on  post,  except  as  pertaining  strictly 
to  the  duty  of  the  post,  and  then  be  exceedingly  brief. 

In  the  absence  of  special  instructions  from  the 
commanding  officer,  the  officer  of  the  day  will  inspect 
the  guard  and  sentinels  during  the  day  and  night  at 
such  times  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

The  senior  officer  or  non-commissioned  officer  of 
the  guard  is  commander  of  the  guard. 

Sentinels  will  be  required  to  memorize  the  fol- 
lowing: 

-3- 


26  Customs  of  the  Service. 

"My  general  orders  are: 

''To  take  charge  of  this  post  and  all  Government 
property  in  view. 

"To  walk  my  post  in  a  military  manner,  keeping 
constantly  on  the  alert,  observing  everything  that 
takes  place  in  sight  and  hearing. 

"To  report  every  breach  of  orders  or  rc^gnlations 
that  I  am  instructed  to  enforce. 

"To  repeat  all  calls  from  posts  more  distant  from 
the  guard-house  than  my  own. 

"To  quit  my  post  only  when  properly  relieved. 

"To  receive,  transmit,  and  obey  all  orders  from, 
and  allow  myself  to  be  relieved  by,  the  commanding 
officer,  officer  of  the  day,  an  officer  or  non  commissioned 
officer  of  the  guard  only. 

"To  hold  conversation  with  no  one  except  in  the 
proper  discharge  of  my  duty. 

"In  case  of  fire  or  disorder,  to  give  the  alarm. 

"To  allow  no  one  to  commit  nuisance  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  my  post. 

"To  salute  all  officers,  and  colors  or  standards  not 
cased. 

"In  any  case  not  covered  by  my  instructions,  to 
call  the  corporal  of  the  guard. 

"At  night,  to  exercise  the  greatest  vigilance.  Be- 
tween Retreat  (or  ....  o'clock,  naming  the  hour  desig- 
nated by  the  commanding  officer)  and  broad  daylight, 


Customs  of  the  Service.  27 

challenge  all  persons  seen  on  or  near  my  post,  and  allow 
no  persons  to  pass  without  proper  authority." 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  sentinels  posted  at 
the  guard-house  or  guard-tent  will  be  required  to  mem- 
orize the  following: 

'^Between  Reveille  and  Retreat,  to  turn  out  the 
guard  for  all  persons  entitled  to  the  compliment,  for 
all  colors  or  standards  not  cased,  and  for  all  armed  par- 
ties ai)proaching  my  post,  except  trooj)s  at  drill  and 
reliefs  or  detachments  of  guard.  At  night,  after  chal- 
lenging any  person  or  party,  to  advance  no  one,  but  call 
the  corporal  of  the  guard,  repeating  the  answer  to  the 
challenge. 

"A  sentinel  on  post  is  not  required  to  halt  and 
change  the  position  of  his  rifle  on  arriving  at  end  of  the 
post,  nor  to  execute  ^To  the  rear,  march,'  [)recisely  as 
y)rescribed  in  the  Drill  Regulations,  but  faces  about 
while  marching  in  the  way  most  convenientto him.  .  .  . 

"An  infantry  sentinel  will  salute  with  the  ^present 
arms'  all  officers  by  day  and  night.  Whenever  relieved, 
a  sentinel  will  repeat  in  detail,  to  his  successor,  all 
special  orders  relating  to  his  post. 

"Between  Retreat  (or  the  hour  designated  by  the 
commanding  officer)  and  broad  daylight,  if  a  sentinel 
sees  any  person  or  party  on  or  near  his  post,  he  will 
advance  rapidly  along  his  post  toward  such  person  or 
party,  and  when  within  about  thirty  paces  will  chal- 


28  Cystoma  of  the  Service, 

lenge  sharply,  ^Halt.  Who  is  there?'  In  case  a  mount- 
ed party  be  challenged,  the  sentinel  will  call  'Dis- 
mount,' after  challenging. 

"A  sentinel  will  not  divulge  the  countersign  to 
any  one  except  the  sentinel  who  relieves  him,  or  to  a 
person  from  whom  he  properly  receives  orders,  on  such 
person's  verbal  order,  given  personally. 

"Until  duly  recognized,  by  countersign  or  other- 
wise, the  sentinel  will  allow  no  one  to  approach  nearer 
than  about  ten  feet  from  him,  .  .  .  .  and  will 
allow  only  one  of  a  party  to  approach  him  for  the  pur- 
pose of  giving  the  countersign,  and  he  must  satisfy  him- 
self beyond  a  reasonable  doubt  that  the  parties  are 
what  they  represent  themselves  to  be. 

"When  two  or  more  persons  approach  in  one 
party,  the  sentinel,  on  receiving  an  answer  that  indi- 
cates that  some  one  in  the  party  has  the  countersign, 
will  say,  'Advance  one  with  the  countersign,'  and  if  the 
countersign  is  given  correctly,  will  then  say,  'Advance 
(so  and  so),'  repeating  the  answer  to  his  challenge. 
Thus,  if  the  answer  be,  'Friends  with  the  countersign' 
(or  patrol,  etc.),  the  sentinel  will  say,  'Advance  one 
with  the  countersign';  then,  'Advance  friends'  (or 
patrol,  etc.)." 

The  foregoing  excerpts  are  chiefly  taken  from  the 
Manual  of  Guard  Duty,  War  Department,  1893,  and 
for  the  more  defined  duties  should  be  consulted.  Troops 
armed  with  the  U.  S.  Magazine  rifle  omit  the  "carry 


Customs  of  the  Service.  29 

arms,"  and  salute  on  the  march  with  "port  arms." 
After  salutes  have  been  acknowledged,  guards  are 
brought  to  the  "order  arms."  The  "present"  is  used 
instead  of  the  former  rifle  salute. 

A  sentinel  in  charge  of  prisoners  at  work  will  not 
allow  them  to  converse  with  each  other,  nor  with  any 
person  without  permission  from  proper  authority.  He 
will  not  himself  speak  to  them,  except  in  the  execu- 
tion of  his  duty. 

The  instructions  "To  walk  my  post  in  a  military 
manner"  must  be  strictly  construed,  so  that  a  sentinel 
will  marcli  while  on  his  post,  and  never  be  permitted 
to  walk  lazily  or  lounge  on  his  post,  either  of  which 
are  exceedingly  unmilitary;  it  may  also  be  observed 
that  in  rendering  individual  salutes  the  rifle  should  be 
brought  to  the  "present"  sharply,  not  slowly  and  with 
hesitation. 

In  the  field  and  on  the  march  the  guard  is  generally 
mounted  an  hour  or  so  before  sunset;  it  would  delay 
the  day's  march  if  held  in  the  morning;  after  a  rest, 
the  men  are  fresher  for  the  important  night  work.  A 
"running  guard"  is  an  irregularity,  only  sanctioned  in 
emergencies,  when  the  command  is  exceedingly  small ; 
it  is  simply  an  arrangement  by  which  the  sentinels  are 
relieved  in  turn  by  the  next  man  without  formal  cere- 
mony, every  man  going  on  in  succession. 


30  Customs  of  the  Service, 


GRADES  IN  ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  AND 

VOLUNTEERS,  WITH  MONTHLY  PAY  FOR 

LESS  THAN  FIVE  YEARS  OF  SERVICE. 

Major-general 1625.00 

Brigadier-general 458.33 

Colonel 291.67 

Lieutenant-colonel 250.00 

Major 208.38 

Captain,  mounted 166.67 

Captain,  not  mounted 150.00 

First  lieutenant,  mounted 133.33 

First  lieutenant,  not  mounted 125.00 

Second  lieutenant,  mounted 125.00 

Second  lieutenant,  not  mounted 116.67 

Adjutant   of   regiment,    appointed   by    colonel 

from  first  lieutenant 150.00 

Quartermaster  of  regiment,  appointed  by  colo- 
nel from  first  lieutenant  and  subject  to  ap- 

proval^  of  the  Secretary  of  War 150.00 

(The  adjutant  and  quartermaster  hold  de- 
tail not  over  four^  years.) 
Chaplain,  post,  U.  S.  A.  (rank^  as  captain  of 

infantry) 125.0r 

lA.  R.  233. 
2A.  R.  234. 
3Act  of  March  2,  1867. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  31 

(Chaplain   of  each  of  the  four  colored 

regiments  same  as  of  post.) 
Chaplain  of  U.  S.  Volunteers,  ranli  and  pay^  and 

allowances  of  mounted  officers |166.67 

An  aide-de-camp  to  a  major-general,  |200  per  year 
additional. 

An  aide-de-camp  to  a  brigadier-general,  $150  per 
year  additional. 

An  acting  commissary  of  subsistence,  flOO  per 
year  additional  ;2  the  regimental  quartermaster  can 
also  hold  this  position  and  the  extra  pay.^ 

Assistant  surgeons  have  rank  and  pay  of  1st  lieu- 
tenant of  cavalry  for  the  first  five  years  of  service.  Sur- 
geons have  rank  and  pay  of  major. 

Medical  officers  in  the  permanent  establishment 
are  of  the  General  Staff  and  do  not  belong  to  regi- 
ments; in  the  Volunteer  Army  there  are  added  to  each 
regiment  one  surgeon,  two  assistant  surgeons,  and 
three  hospital  stewards.  In  emergencies  the  Surgeon- 
General,  with  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  may 
appoint  as  many  contract  surgeons  as  may  be  neces- 
sary, at  compensation  not  exceeding  |150  per  month.^ 

Pay  and  allowances  of  Volunteers  commence  on 
the  day  on  which  enrolled  and  joined  for  duty.^ 


lAct  of  July  8,  1898,  and  G.  O.  103,  1898. 

2A.  R.  1304. 

3A.  R.  1305. 

4Act  of  May  12,  1898,  and  G.  0.  52,  1898. 

5G.  O.  56  and  96,  1898, 


32  Customs  of  the  Service. 

Pay  for  troops  for  Philippines  may  be  advanced- 
for  one  month. 

Officers  of  the  permanent  establishment  serving 
under  Volunteer  commissions  are  entitled  to  receive 
only  the  pay  and  allowances  of  the  Volunteer  rank 
while  serving  as  such.^ 

In  time  of  war  every  officer  serving  with  troops 
operating  against  an  enemy  who  shall  exercise,  under 
assignment  in  orders  issued  by  competent  authority,  a 
command  above  that  pertaining  to  his  grade,  shall  be 
entitled  to  receive  the  pay  and  allowances  of  the  grade 
appropriate  to  the  command  so  exercised:^  providinl, 
that  a  rate  of  pay  exceeding  that  of  a  brigadier-general 
shall  not  be  paid  in  any  case  by  reason  of  such  assign- 
ment. Troops  serving  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States  at  a  time  when  there  is  no  foreign  army  within 
said  limits  are  not  operating  against  an  enemy.  The 
"competent  authority''  can  only  be  exercised  by  the 
Secretary  of  War  or  the  commanding  general  of  an 
army  "operating  against  an  enemy,"  and  under  their 
written  order;  certified  copy,  in  duplicate,  of  such  order, 
with  statement  of  service,  to  be  filed  with  the  pay- 
master. 

The  Attorney-General  has  since  held  that  the 
clause  "was  intended  to  apply  to  all^  instances  where 


IG.  O.  56  and  96,   1898. 

2Act  of  May  28,  1898,  and  G.  0.  62,  1898;  A.  R.  1313. 
3Act  of  April  22,  1898;  Cir.  18  and  G.  O.  86,  1898. 
4G.  O.  155,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  33 

the  troops  of  the  United  States  are  assembled  in  sepa- 
rate bodies,  such  as  regiments,  brigades,  divisions,  or 
corps,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  and  bringing  to 
a  conclusion  the  war  with  Spain" ;  but  that  service  in 
garrisons  on  the  Western  frontiers  which  is  requisite 
in  time  of  peace  would  not  be  within  the  meaning  of 
the  act. 

An  officer  on  duty  without  troops  at  a  station 
where  there  are  no  public  quarters  is  entitled  to  com- 
mutation therefor  at  $12  per  month  per  room;  allow- 
ance in  A.  K.  1006. 

When  an  officer  travels^  under  orders,  he  is  allowed 
seven  cents  per  mile;  except  over  bond-aided  or  free 
railroads,  the  cost  of  transportation  over  that  part  of 
the  route  being  deducted  from  the  mileage  account  and 
the  Quartermaster's  Department  furnishing  transpor- 
tation therefor;  officers  traveling  on  duty,  under  or- 
ders, without  troops,  on  Government  transports,  where 
subsistence  is  not  furnished,  will  be  paid  mileage  at 
the  rate  of  four  cents  per  mile.  An  officer  traveling^ 
under  orders  with  three  or  more  enlisted  men  is  re- 
garded as  traveling  with  troops. 

It  will  be  observed  that  there  are  no  regimental 
commissaries  of  subsistence,  and  only  post  commissary 
sergeants.    At  posts,  lieutenants  are  detailed  to  per- 


IG.  O.  9,  125,  and  129,  Cir.  7,  and  Act  of  March  15th,  all  of 
1898;  A.  R.  1321-1335. 
2Cir.  37,  1898. 


34  Customs  of  the  Service, 

form  the  duties  of  commissary.  Battalion  adjutants 
are  merely  detailed  from  the  lieutenants,  and  are  not 
additional  to  the  organization.  Except^  as  provided  in 
Section  6,  Act  of  April  22, 1898,  the  "officers  in  service 
with"  a  militia  organization  called  into  the  service  of 
the  United  States  shall  be  so  received  into  the  service, 
but  this  proviso  applies  only  to  those  who  held  com- 
missions in,  and  were  actually  in  service  with,  the  said 
organizations  at  the  time  of  muster-in.  Hence,  upon 
the  promotion,  discharge,  resignation,  or  death  of  any 
such  officers,  who  have  been  or  may  be  appointed  in 
excess  of  the  Regular  Army  organization  and  not  other- 
wise provided  for  by  law,  the  offices  held  by  them  in 
the  United  States  Volunteers  lapse  and  cease  to  exist, 
and  no  persons  can  be  appointed  and  mustered  in  the 
United  States  service  in  their  places.  The  four  colored 
regiments,  9th  and  10th  Cavalry  and  24th  and  25th  In- 
fantry, each  have  a  chaplain;  the  other  chaplains  (30) 
are  post  chaplains  and  assigned  to  posts.  The  Volun- 
teers are  allowed  one  chaplain^  to  each  regiment. 

The  following  officers,  in  addition  to  those  whose 
pay  is  fixed  by  law,  are  entitled  to  pay  as  mounted  offi- 
cers:^ officers  of  the  staff  corps  below  the  rank  of 
major,  officers  serving  with  troops  of  cavalry,  officers  of 
a  light  battery  duly  organized  and  equipped,  author- 


IG.  O.  98,  1898,  and  G.  O.   149,   1898. 

2Act  of  April  22,  1898. 

3A.  R.  130X  and  G.  0,  65  and  119, 


Customs  of  the  Service.  36 

ized  aides  duly  appointed,  officers  serving  as  military 
attaches  to  the  embassies  and  legations  of  the  United 
States  at  foreign  capitals,  officers  serving  with  com- 
panies of  mounted  infantry,  and  officers  on  duty  which 
in  the  opinion  of  the  Secretary  of  War  or  the  depart- 
ment or  corps  commander  requires  them  to  be  mounted 
and  so  certified  by  him  on  their  pay  vouchers.  Acting 
judge-advocates  of  military  departments  are  entitled 
to  pay,  etc.,  of  captains  of  cavalry.  Battalion  adju- 
tants are  entitled  to  mounted  pa}^  upon  the  certificate 
of  their  regimental  commanders  that  they  are  on  duty 
which  requires  them  to  be  mounted.  Forage  in  kind 
(no  commutation)  for  two  horses  is  issued  to  officers 
(below  the  rank  of  general  officer),  to  officers  entitled 
to  be  mounted,  if  horses  are  actually  owned  and  kept 
in  service  at  station  where  due. 

Fuel  (allowance^  prescribed)  and  illuminating  oil 
is  sold  to  officers  and  issued  to  troops,  under  regulated 
allowances  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

Subsistence  stores,  including  canned  goods,  to- 
bacco, cigars,  stationery,  needles,  thread,  brushes,  etc., 
can  be  purchased  by  officers  and  men,  for  their  own 
use,  at  cost  price.  Sales  may  be  made  on  credit^  to 
officers  and  enlisted  men  who  have  not  been  regularly 
paid  or  who  are  in  the  field;  enlisted  men  will  obtain 
permits  from  their  company  commanders,  approved  by 


lA.  R.  998-1006. 
2A.  R.  1285. 


36  Customs  of  the  Service. 

the  commanding  officer,  for  purchases  on  credit;  but 
not  given  in  excess  of  the  unencumbered  pay  due  him, 
nor  in  any  month  in  excess  of  his  monthly  pay. 

The  personal  staffs  of  a  general  officer  will  consist 
of  his  authorized  aides  (whom  he  selects  from  officers 
in  service):  three  captains  or  lieutenants  for  a  major- 
general  ;  two  lieutenants  for  a  brigadier-general.  The 
other  staff  officers  are  assigned^  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment, and  their  official  designations^  are:  adjutant- 
general,  chief  quartermaster,  chief  commissary,  chief 
surgeon,  chief  paymaster,  judge-advocate;  and,  when 
necessary,  an  artillery  inspector,  an  engineer  officer,  an 
ordnance  officer,  a  signal  officer,  and  an  inspector- 
general. 


lA.  R.  33  and  738. 
2A.  R.  196  and  738. 
3A.  R.  196. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  37 


GRADES  AND  PAY,  MONTHLY,  ENLISTED  MEN, 
FIRST  YEAR,  FIRST  ENLISTMENT. 

Compcmy, 

Private — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry $13.00 

Private — (Second  class)  Engineers  and  Ordnance 13.00 

Musician — Engineers,  Artillery,  and  Infantry... 13.00 

Trumpeter — Cavalry 13.00 

Wagoner — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 14.00 

Artificer — Artillery  and  Infantry 15.00 

Corporal — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 15.00 

Blacksmith  and  Farrier — Cavalry 15.00 

Saddler— Cavalry 15.00 

Sergeant — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 18.00 

Private — (First  class)  Engineers  and  Ordnance 17.00 

Corporal — Engineers  and  Ordnance 20.00 

First  Sergeant — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 25.00 

Sergeant — Engineers,  Ordnance,  and  Signal  Corps 34.00 

Sergeants — (First  class)  Signal  Corps 45.00 

Regiment. 

Chief  Trumpeter — Cavalry $22.00 

Principal  Musician — Artillery  and  Infantry 22.00 

Saddler  Sergeant — Cavalry 22.00 

Chief  Musician — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 60.00 

Sergeant-Major — Artillery,  Cavalry,  and  Infantry 23.00 

Quartermaster  Sergeant — Artillery, Cavalry, and  iLfan.ry..  23.00 
Sergeant-Major  and  Quartermaster  Sergeant— Engineers..  36.00 

Post. 

Ordnance  Sergeant $34.00 

Commissary  Sergeant 34.00 

Post  Quartermaster  Sergeant 34.00 


38  Customs  of  the  Service, 

Hospital  Corps. 

Hospital  Steward $45.00 

Acting  Hospital  Steward 25.00 

Private 18.00 

Matron 10.00 

It  is  enacted  in  a  section  of  the  Act  approved  April 
20,  1898  (the  Army  Bill),  that  in  time  of  war  the  pay 
proper  of  enlisted  men  shall  be  increased  20  per  cent 
over  and  above  the  rates  of  pay  a^  fixed  by  law,  pro- 
vided that  in  time  of  war  no  additional  increased  ( om- 
pensation^  shall  be  allowed  soldiers  performing  what 
is  known  as  extra  or  special  duty. 

War  declared  to  exist^  since  April  21,  1898. 

Veterinary  surgeons,  |75  and  f  100  per  month,  are 
appointed^  by  the  Secretary  of  War.  They  have  rank^ 
of  sergeant-major,  and  entitled  to  the  same  allowances 
in  kind,  of  quarters,  fuel,  and  lights. 

Signal  Corps  of  the  permanent  establishment,  en- 
listed force,  consists  of  fifty  sergeants  (generally  ap 
pointed  from  the  Army),  ten  of  the  first  class,  pay 
monthly  f45,  forty  of  the  second  class^  |34,  with  com- 
mutation allowance  for  fuel  and  quarters  and  subsist- 
ence when  stationed  in  cities. 

Lance  corporals,^  one  allowed  to  each  company, 
appointed  for  three  months,  and  with  approval  of  post 

10. 15  and  G.  O.  77,  1898. 

2Act  of  April  25,  1898. 

3A.  R.  182-3. 

4A.  R.  257,  C.  9,  1896,  and  G.  O.  42,  1897. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  39 

or  regimeDtal  commander  may  be  once  renewed;  no 
additional  pay  attaches  to  this  grade. 

Officers  of  Volunteers  are  paid^  on  the  rolls  with 
the  troops,  when  so  serving,  or  on  detached  service  or 
of  the  General  Staff  are  paid  on  duplicate  accounts^  by 
a  designated  paymaster.  Officers  will  be  paid  monthly. 
Appointments  in  the  Army  are  entitled  to  pay  from 
date  of  acceptance^  only.  In  all  cases  of  promotion  an 
officer  is  entitled  to  pay  from  date  of  vacancy .^  Officers 
and  enlisted  men  in  arrest  and  confinement  by  the  civil 
authorities  will  receive  no  pay  during  the  time  of  such 
absence;  if  released  without  trial,  or  after  trial,  or  after 
trial  and  acquittal,  their  right  to  pay  for  the  time  of 
such  absence  is  restored.  Any  officer  or  enlisted  man 
captured  by  the  enemy  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  dur- 
ing his  captivity,  notwithstanding  the  expiration  of  his 
service,  the  same  pay,  subsistence,  and  allowance  to 
which  he  may  be  entitled  while  in  the  actual  service 
of  the  United  States.^  (Bee  "Leave  of  Absence''  and 
"Furloughs,''  infra,  for  pay  during  such  absence.) 

Troops  will  be  paid  every  month,  unless  circum- 
stances prevent;  and  in  time  of  war,  by  paymasters  in 
person.  Soldiers  may  deposit  their  pay  with  the  pay- 
master, to  be  retained  until  discharged,  with  accrued 
interest  at  4  per  cent  per  annum.    (See  A.  R.  1371.) 

IG.  O.  44,  1896. 
2A.  R.  1298-1300. 
3A.  R.  1306. 
4R.  S.  1288. 


40  Customs  of  the  Service. 

All  enlisted  men  present  will  receipt  the  pay-roll 
for  the  amount  due  them  thereon.^  A  soldier  awaiting 
result  of  trial  will  not  be  paid  before  the  result  is 
known.2  Every  deserter  forfeits  all  pay  and  allow- 
ances due  at  date  of  desertion.^ 

The  tables  below  show  changes  in  organization  in 
the  Army  under  Act  of  April  26,  1898,  Section  3,  that 
upon  a  declaration  of  war  by  Congress,  or  a  declaration 
by  Congress  that  war  exists,  the  enlisted  strength  of 
a  company,  troop,  and  battery  respectively,  may,  in  the 
discretion  of  the  President,  be  increased  to  comprise 
not  exceeding: 

Prior  Organization.  New  Organization. 

1071 

R.  S.  Peace.                                                                                               War  Footing. 
1108 

Infantry. 
Each  Regiment. 

10  (2  skeleton) Companies 12 

1 Colonel 1 

1 Lieutenant-Colonel 1 

1 Majors i  2 

(2  Majors  hereafter,  Peace.) 

10 Captains 12 

12 First  Lieutenants 12 

(Whether  the  Adjutant  and  Quartermaster  extra  Lieu- 
tenants, subject  decision.) 
10 Second   Lieutenants 12 


lA.  R.  1364. 
2A.  R.  945. 
3A.  R.  1381. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  41 

Infantry, 

Each  Company. 
R.  S.  Peace.  ^Var  Footing. 

1 First  Sergeant 1 

0 Quartermaster  Sergeant 1 

4 Sergeants 4 

4 Corporals 12 

2 Musicians 2 

2 Artificers 1 

1 Wagoner 1 

51 Privates 84 


Cavalry, 

Each  Troop. 

1 First  Sergeant 1 

0 Quartermaster  Sergeant 1 

5 Sergeants 6 

4 Corporals 8 

2 Farriers  and  Blacksmiths 2 

2 Trumpeters 2 

1 Saddler 1 

1 Wagoner 1 

44  to  54 Privates 78 

Heavy  Artillery, 

Each  Battery. 

1 First  Sergeant 1 

4 Sergeants 22 

4 Corporals 10 

2 Musicians 2 

2 Artificers 2 

1 Wagoner 1 

51 Privates 162 

-4- 


42  Customs  of  the  Service. 

Field  Artillery, 
Each  Battery. 

R.  S.  Peace.  WarFootin -. 

1 First  Sergeant 1 

0 Quartermaster  Sergeant 1 

0 Veterinary  Sergeant 1 

6 Sergeants 6 

4 Corporals 15 

0 Farriers 2 

2 Artincers 2 

0 Saddler 1 

2 Musicians 2 

1 Wagoner 1 

59 Privates 141 

Engineers. 
Each  Company. 

0 First  Sergeant 1 

10 Sergeants 10 

10 Corporals 10 

2 Musicians 2 

39  to  55 Privates,  first  class 64 

39  to  56 Privates,  second  class 63 

In  the  Artillery  (R.  S.  1100)  there  were  2  first  and 
1  second  lieutenants  each  battery  heavy  artillery,  and  2 
first  and  2  second  lieutenants  each  light  battery.  The 
Act  approved  March  8, 1898,  enacts  that  each  regiment 
of  artillery  shall  consist  of 14  first  lieuten- 
ants, 12  second  lieutenants 

When  recruited  to  their  war  strength,  the  Presi- 
dent may  add^  1  second  lieutenant  in  each  battery  of 
artillery. 

lAct  of  April  26,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  43 

Signal  Corps, 

Peace.  War. 

10 Commissioned  Officers 10 

10 Sergeants,  first  class 10 

40 Sergeants,  second  class 40 

0 Corporals 10 

0 Privates,  first  class 100 

0 Privates,  second  class 40 

801 Post  Quartermaster  Sergeants 2105 

903 Commissary  Sergeants 90 

(Not  to  exceed  1  for  each  military  post  or  place  of 
deposit  of  subsistence  supplies.) 

100 Hospital  Stewards4 100 

100 Acting  Hospital  Stewards 100 

525 Privates  Hospital  Corps 525 

110 Ordnance  Sergeants 110 

As  indicating  the  importance  of  the  post  non-com 
missioned  staff  and  signal  sergeants,  accountability^ 
for  public  property  may  be  transferred  to  them,  but  not 
to  other  enlisted  men. 

Ordnance  Department. 
Peace.  War. 

56 Commissioned  Officers 56 

53 Sergeants  of  Ordnance 53 

73 Corporals 73 

231 Privates,  first  class 231 

138 Privates,  second  class 138 


lAct  of  July  5,  1884. 
2Act  of  July  8,  1898. 
3Act  of  March  8,  187.^>. 
4 Act  of  March  1,  1887. 
5A.  R.  694. 


44  Customs  of  the  Service, 

The  President  is  authorized  to  appoint^  in  the  Vol- 
unteer Army  not  exceeding  1  major-general  for  each 
organized  army  corps  and  division,  and  1  brigadier- 
general  for  each  brigade. 

The  IJ.  S.  Volunteer  SignaP  Corps  consists  of  1 
colonel,  1  lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  disbursing  offi- 
cer, and  not  exceeding  1  major  for  each  Army  Corps, 
and  2  captains,  2  first  lieuterants,  2  second  lieutenants, 
5  first-class  sergeants,  10  sergeants,  10  corporals,  and 
30  first-class  privates  to  each  organized  division  of 
troops,  two-thirds  of  whom  below  the  rank  of  major 
shall  be  skilled  electricians  or  telegraph  operators. 


lAct  of  April  22,  1898. 
2Act  of  May  18,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  45 


THE  CAPTAIN. 

Captains  are  the  soul  of  the  whole  of  instruction 
and  care  of  the  unit  of  organization — the  company. 
The  following  extracts  from  ^'The  Prussian  Campaign, 
A  Tactical  Retrospect"  (Captain  May),  translated  by 
Colonel  Ouvry,  C.B.,  so  entirely  accord  with  the  expe- 
rience of  the  compiler  and  based  on  sound  observation 
they  cannot  be  bettered  by  original  change:  "The  cap- 
tain commanding  a  company  is  the  only  officer  between 
whom  and  the  soldier  a  personal  relation  subsists  in 
peace-time.  He  knows  every  individual  soldier  in  the 
most  intimate  manner,  and  the  soldier  on  his  part  is 
aware  that  his  captain  so  knows  him.  It  is  upon  this 
relation  that  the  uncommon  influence  rests  which  he, 
above  all  officers,  has  over  the  individual  soldier,  as 
well  as  over  the  whole  company.  The  soldier  .  .  .  has 
under  all  circumstances  a  decided  feeling  for  his  cap- 
tain, even  though  it  be  one  of  hatred.  In  most  cases, 
however,  it  is  a  feeling  of  love,  confidence,  and  respect. 
They  become  accustomed  to  one  another,  have  their 

fits  of  ill  temper  at  times  on  both  sides With 

regard  to  the  higher  grade  of  officers,  ....  he  has 
respect  for  them  according  to  regulation;  otherwise,  for 
the  most  part,  he  is  indifferent.  At  the  very  most,  he 
knows  whether  his  general  keeps  him  long  at  drill  and 
annoys  him  or  not,  and  particularly  whether  he  has 


46  Customs  of  the  Service, 

any  ridiculous  habits The  soldier  looks  on  his 

captain  as  by  far  the  most  important  personage;  and 
should  the  colonel  take  to  bullying  the  captain  on 
parade,  to  show  the  soldier  what  a  great  man  he  is,  the 
result  usually  is  that  the  soldier  respects  the  captain 
the  less,  but  certainly  the  colonel  not  the  more.  The 
captain  will  find  the  attachment  of  his  subordinates  the 
most  precious  reward  which  will  fall  to  him  in  his  life- 
time." Captains  have  a  very  important  part  in  war. 
They  should  be  held  absolutely  responsible  for  every- 
thing relating  to  their  company,  especially  as  regards 
drill,  discipline,  contentment,  without  interference  by 
superior  authority.  The  captain  should  be  alert  in 
knowledge  of  sanitary  precautions,  observing  with 
care  the  environments,  and  in  sickly  climates  redouble 
his  care  for  his  men;  see  that  they  be  compelled  to  care 
for  themselves;  he  is  required  to  daily  inspect  the 
kitchens,  the  sinks,  the  police  of  his  company  grounds, 
that  every  particle  of  foreign  matter  be  removed;  even 
the  example  of  removing  bits  of  paper  and  such  trifles 
will  have  its  good  effects;  insist  that  all  kitchen  waste 
be  carried  way,  and  then  not  simply  buried,  but  cre- 
mated, not  even  permitting  slops  to  be  thrown  on  the 
ground;  seepage  from  the  latter  has  been  known  to 
contaminate  wells  many  feet  distant,  with  the  natural 
sequence  of  typhoid  and  other  diseases.  All  this  in- 
volves labor  on  officers  and  men;  it  is  work  that  will 
pay  in  health  and  possibly  in  life.     Men  heated  and 


Customs  of  the  Service.  47 

exhausted  after  the  drill  will  throw  themselves  on  the 
ground  in  the  shade;  this  is  a  cause  of  sickness,  fevers; 
it  may  at  the  moment  seem  harsh  to  them,  but  do  not 
allow  such  practices;  caution  the  men,  and  see  that 
the  caution  is  obeyed. 

In  the  field,  the  result  of  the  daily  inspection  re- 
quired by  A.  R.  26G  should  be  reported  verbally  to  the 
colonel  at  a  designated  hour,  that  he  may  clearly  know 
of  the  comfort  and  needs  of  the  men,  the  quality  and 
kinds  of  the  ration  and  service  for  the  day;  be  assured 
that  the  sinks  have  been  inspected,  etc.,  etc.  The  sur- 
geon should  also  be  required  to  inspect  the  sinks,  etc., 
and  report  similarly,  together  with  a  statement  of  the 
health  of  the  command,  appearance  or  indication  of 
undue  endemic  diseases,  etc. 

Order  and  regularity  in  everything  must  be  insisted 
upon;  for  example,  at  the  company  kitchens,  even  in 
camp,  the  kettles,  cleaning  utensils,  etc.,  when  not  in 
immediate  use,  can  be  properly  arranged  with  regu- 
larity; the  wood  (fuel)  corded  up,  not  thrown  down  any 
way,  nor  chips  accumulated;  attention  to  these  appar- 
ently trivial  matters  all  go  to  inculcate  order  and  care 
in  other  matters. 

The  captain  will  neither  patronize  nor  coddle  up 
his  men ;  they  resent  either  mode.  Looking  always  for 
their  interests,  with  firmness  in  discipline  and  com- 
manding absolute  obedience  to  orders,  and  this  can 
be  accomplished  with  kindness  (harshness  is  wholly 
unnecessary),  be  the  company  father. 


48  Customs  of  the  Service. 

THE  LIEUTENANT. 

Upon  the  lieutenants  of  the  company  the  duties  of 
the  captain  will  often  devolve,  and,  whether  as  com- 
mandant or  serving  with  his  captain,  he  will  be  gov- 
erned by  the  same  system  and  share  these  duties  and 
fatigues;  and  so  he  will  or  will  not  be  an  able  support 
to  his  captain. 

Captains  will  require^  their  lieutenants  to  assist  in 
the  performance  of  all  company  duties,  including  the 
keeping  of  records  and  the  preparation  of  the  necessary 
reports  and  returns. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  OFFICERS.2 

Sergeants  and  corporals  are  appointed  by  regi- 
mental commanders  on  recommendation  of  compariy 
commanders.  Non-commissioned  officers  will  be  care- 
fully selected  and  instructed,  and  always  supported 
by  company  commanders  in  the  proper  performance  of 
their  duties.  They  will  not  be  detailed  for  any  duty 
nor  permitted  to  engage  in  any  occupation  inconsistent 
with  their  rank  and  position.  Officers  will  be  cautious 
in  reproving  them  in  the  presence  or  hearing  of  private 
soldiers.  They  will  be  furnished  with  a  warrant  of 
rank,  signed  by  the  colonel,  countersigned  by  the  ad- 


lA.  R.  255. 
2A.  R,  251-26X. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  49 

jutant;  but  a  separate  warrant  as  first  sergeant  will  not 
be  given.  They  take  effect  on  the  day  of  appointment. 
The  captain  will  select  the  first  sergeant  from  the  ser- 
geants of  his  company,  and  may  return  him  to  the  grad  3 
of  sergeant  without  reference  to  higher  authority.  A 
non-commissioned  officer  may  be  reduced^  to  the  ranks 
by  sentence  of  court-martial,  or  by  the  order  of  the 
regimental  commander  on  the  recommendation  of  the 
company  commander.  The  regimental^  commander 
appoints  the  non-commissioned  staff,  which  consists  of 
the  sergeant-major  and  quartermaster  sergeant;  also 
the  regimental  non-commissioned  officers,  consisting 
of  the  chief  musician  and  principal  (2)  musicians  or 
chief  trumpeter  and  saddler  sergeant, according  to  arm. 
The  ordnance,  commissary,  and  post  quartermaster 
sergeants  and  hospital  stewards  are  appointed  by  the 
Secretary  of  War.  The  important  duties  in  the  field 
of  active  operations  of  non-commissioned  officers  have 
been  greatly  augmented  by  what  we  may  term  modern 
drill,  responsibilities  fall  upon  squad  leaders  in  leading 
their  sections  into  action  not  found  in  former  days;  to 
know  the  right  thing  to  do;  for  the  lessons  taught  on 
the  drill-ground  assume  in  actual  service  under  fire 
various  phases  and  need  of  quick  judgment.  Leading 
of  squads  is  an  important  duty. 

The  detail  of  a  non-commissioned  officer  on  extra 


lA.  R.  261. 
2A.    R.   241. 


50  Customs  of  the  Service. 

duty  other  than  that  of  overseer  will  not  be  made  with- 
out the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  A  non-com 
missioned  officer  will  not  be  detailed  on  any  duty  incon- 
sistent with  his  rank  and  position  in  the  military  ser- 
vice. Chiefs  of  squad  will  see  that  no  dressing  or  pol- 
ishingi  material  on  leather  aecoutrem'/nts,  equipments, 
or  harness,  except  the  preparations  supplied  by  the 
Ordnance  Department,  are  so  used.  The  prohibition^ 
in  A.  R.  276  of  attempts  to  beautify  or  change  the  finish 
of  arms  in  the  hands  of  enlisted  men  is  not  construed 
as  forbidding  the  application  of  raw  linseed  oil  to  the 
w^ood  parts  of  the  arm.  The  application  for  such  pur- 
pose of  any  kind  of  wax  or  varnish,  including  heelball, 
is  strictly  prohibited.  They  will  also  si  e  that  all  public 
property  in  use  by  their  squads  be  marked  with  the 
letter  of  the  company  and  number  of  aim  of  the  regi- 
ment. Such  articles  issued  to  an  enlisted  man  (arms 
and  clothing  excepted)  will,  as  far  as  practicable,  be 
marked  with  the  number  of  the  man  (each  man  is  origi- 
nally given  a  number,^  which  remains  constant  whil:^  in 
the  company),  letter  of  the  company,  and  number  of  th^ 
regiment.  Haversacks  and  blanket-bags  will  be  uni- 
formly marked^  on  the  outside  as  follows:  cavalry, 
crossed  sabers;  artillery,  crossed  cannons;  infantry, 


lA.  R.  277. 
2Cir.  26,  1897. 
3A.  R.  267. 
4A.  R.  279. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  51 

crossed  rifles;  with  letter  of  company  above  and  num- 
ber of  regiment  below  the  intersection ;  the  design  sten- 
ciled in  black,  the  device  five  inches  long,  and  letters 
and  numbers  in  full-faced  characters  one  inch  high;  the 
design  will  be  placed  above  letters  ^^U.  S."  on  equip- 
ments, and  the  number  of  the  soldier,  in  characters 
one  inch  high,  will  be  placed  at  the  bottom,  near  the 
the  lower  edge  of  the  blanket-bag.  The  canteen  will 
be  marked  with  the  letter  of  the  company,  number  of 
the  regiment,  and  number  of  the  man.  Notice  that  the 
rifle  or  pistol  is  not  permitted  to  be  marked  in  any  way; 
it  is  identified  by  its  stamped  ordnance  number,  and  so 
recorded  in  the  company  records.  Non-commissioned 
officers  are  entitled  to  respect  at  all  times,  and  to  strict 
and  prompt  obedience  when  in  the  discharge  of  duty, 
and  in  turn  should  so  perform  their  duties  as  to  de 
serve  well  of  their  comrades,  while  rigidly  executing 
duty;  as  the  non-commissioned  officer  governs  him- 
self, so  he  can  govern;  laxity  of  discipline  is  not  kind- 
ness; ill  temper  must  be  restrained;  rever  use  language 
you  would  not  use  in  the  presence  of  your  captain,  nor 
violence  or  force  except  in  extremity  and  when  all 
other  measures  of  restraint  have  failed;  do  not  show 
favoritism  or  overlook  neglect;  don't  be  arbitrary;  be 
governed  by  the  regulations  of  the  service;  superior 
authority  will  always  support  a  non-commissioned  offi- 
cer in  proper  discharge  of  his  duty.  Non-commissioned 
officers  are  not,  as  a  rule,  permitted  to  confine  soldiers, 


62  Customs  of  the  Service, 

unless  the  breach  be  serious  or  escape  apprehended. 
The  first  sergeant  exercises  a  sound  discretion  in  these 
matters,  and  is  usually  authorized  by  the  company 
commander  to  place,  as  by  his  order,  soldiers  in  "arrest 
in  quarters"  or  confine  them,  reporting  the  fact  at  once. 
An  officer  or  soldier  arrested  will  repair  at  once  to  his 
tent  or  quarters,  and  remain  there  until  more  extended 
limits  have  been  granted  by  the  commanding  officer. 
Non-commissioned  officers  even  have  power  to  place 
officers  in  arrest  under  the  24:th  of  the  Articles  of  War, 
which  reads:  "All  officers,  of  what  condition  soever, 
have  power  to  part  and  quell  all  quarrels,  frays,  and 
disorders,  whether  among  persons  belonging  to  h's  own 
or  to  another  corps,  regiment,  troop,  battery,  or  com- 
pany, and  to  order  officers  into  arrest,  and  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  soldiers  into  confinement,  who 
take  part  in  the  same,  until  their  proper  superior  officer 
is  acquainted  therewith."  (Winthiop's  "Military  Law," 
p.  836,  Vol.  1.)  "All  officers  whatsoever"  includes  non- 
commissioned officers.  Sec.  1342,  R.  S.,  enacts  that  the 
word  "officer,"  as  used  in  the  Articles  of  War,  shall  be 
understood  to  designate  commissioned  officers. 

At  other  times  important  duties  of  non-commis- 
sioned officers  are  those  of  file-closers;  they  act  in  this 
capacity  for  good  and  sufficient  and  necessary  reasons, 
not  merely  ornamental;  when  so  marching,  they  see 
that  the  men  in  ranks  near  them  observe  strict  atten- 
tion, march  properly,  preserve  distances,  and,  if  a  re- 


Customs  of  the  Service,  53 

treat  be  ordered,  as  will  even  sometimes  become  really 
the  only  thing  to  do,  see  that  the  ranks  are  not  broken 
or  men  allowed  to  run  beyond  their  comrades,  and  will 
not  get  there  himself  the  first  man — in  other  phrase- 
ology, the  movement,  if  it  must  be  made,  will  be  the 
exact  reverse  of  the  attack.  See,  if  a  man  in  ranks  is 
absolutely  obliged  to  fall  out  of  ranks,  that  he  is  so 
authorized  by  an  officer,  and  that  the  soldier  gives  his 
rifle  to  be  carried  by  a  comrade;  that  the  men  be  not 
permitted  to  fall  out  of  ranks  to  attend  the  wounded 
unless  so  ordered. 

The  company  is  divided  into  four  squads,^  each 
under  charge  of  a  non-commissioned  officer.  Chiefs 
of  squads  will  be  held  responsible  for  the  cleanliness 
of  their  men;  see  that  they  bathe  frequently;  the  hair 
kept  short  and  the  beard  neatly  trimmed;  see  that  arms 
are  put  and  kept  in  proper  order.  Kitchens  are  placed 
under  the  immediate  charge  of  the  company  quarter- 
master sergeant  or  other  non-commissioned  officer, 
who  is  held  responsible  for  their  condition,  absolute 
cleanliness,  the  proper  use  of  the  ration,  and  that  the 
meals  are  served  at  the  precise  hour  ordered  and  at 
no  other  times,  except  to  the  guard  and  men  whose 
duties  call  them  away. 

Whistles^  will  be  furnished  for  such  sergeants,  cor- 
porals, or  musicians  as  are  required  to  use  them.     A 

lA.  R.  267. 

2A.  R.  1202  and  D.  R. 


54  Customs  of  the  Service, 

whistle  call  indicates  ^^Cease  firing/'  and  is  also  used 
to  fix  the  attention.  They  are  issued  by  the  Quarter- 
master's Department,  and,  attached  with  a  small  chain, 
should  always  be  worn  in  the  field  and  on  drill,  and  can 
be  heard  during  firing  more  clearly  than  the  trumpet. 


THE  FIRST  SERGEANT. 

The  first  sergeant  must  have  capacity,  intelligence, 
and  the  welfare  of  his  company  always  in  his  mind; 
he  must  possess  and  govern  with  quick,  just,  and  clear 
perception;  he  knows  intimately  all  that  goes  on  in 
the  company,  and,  next  to  the  captain,  the  eflSciency 
of  the  company  is  dependent  upon  him;  its  military 
appearance,  condition  of  the  camp,  management  of  the 
mess,  promptness  and  unfailing  regularity  in  parading 
the  company  and  details;  general  comfort  of  the  men; 
he  is  one  of  the  most  important  enlisted  men  in  the 
army,  and  hard- worked,  and  his  pay  is  more  deserving 
of  increase  than  that  of  any  other  soldier  in  the  Army. 
This  paragraph  is  written  with  twenty-seven  years'  ex- 
perience as  a  captain.  Receiving  orders  and  instruc- 
tions from  his  captain,  he  is  far  more  than  a  mere  su- 
perintendent; the  clerical  records  are  in  his  keeping, 
assisted  by  the  company  clerk.  At  first  sergeant's  call, 
he  goes,  as  previously  stated,  to  receive  orders,  etc.,  and 
receive  back  the  daily  report  book  of  the  company, 


Customs  of  the  Service.  55 

which  he  handed  in  before  8  o'clock  in  the  morning  ;i 
he  will  be  so  familiar  with  the  roll-call  of  names  that 
the  formation  can  be  made  by  night,  as  by  day;  this 
can  be  easily  memorized  and  the  voices  be  recognized, 
that  deception,  if  attempted,  be  discovered.  At  the 
Assembly,  not  before,  nor  after,  the  company  fall  in; 
at  the  last  note  every  man  must  be  in  his  place;  as 
the  roll  is  called,  commencing  with  the  sergeants  and 
corporals,  then  alphabetically,  the  response  "Here," 
given  firmly,  in  even  tone  of  voice,  never  permitting  a 
yell  or  unseemly  loudness.  If  with  arms,  the  piece  is 
brought  to  the  order  as  each  name  is  called,  or  with 
sabers  drawn,  returned  to  the  scabbard.  The  first  ser- 
geant, unless  this  duty  is  developed  upon  the  new  grade 
of  quartermaster  sergeant,  superintends  drawing  of 
the  rations;  the  savings  and  purchases;  reporting  the 
latter  in  each  case  to  the  captain  and  entering  the 
transaction  at  once  in  the  company  fund  book;  he  is 
directly  responsible  to  the  captain  for  all  Government 
property,  arms,  ammunition,  equipments,  tentage,  etc., 
etc.  (this,  however  does  not  relieve  the  captain  from 
responsibility  to  the  Government) ;  he  posts  details  on 
the  bulletin-board,  additional  to  their  publication  at 
parade,  usually  Retreat.  In  keeping  the  Morning  Re- 
port Book,  correctness  in  every  detail  is  imperative; 
very  much  may  depend  then,  or  perhaps  years  after- 
wards, on  the  accuracy,  as  absence,  sickness,  or  injury, 

lA.  R.  388. 


66  Customs  of  the  Service. 

etc.,  etc.  "Duty"  means  all  men  for  full  duty,  including 
those  on  guard.  "Extra  duty''  means  those  employed  by 
superior  authority  in  the  staff  departments  as  mechan- 
ics, laborers,  etc.,  and  for  which  extra  duty  pay  is  paid 
by  the  United  States  for  constant  labor  for  not  less 
than  ten  days,  at  following  rates:  as  mechanics  and 
artisans,  50  cents  per  day;  as  overseers,  clerks,  team- 
sters, laborers,  and  all  other  extra  duty,  35  cents  per 
day.^  It  is,  however,  provided  that  "in  time  of  war''  no 
additional  increased  compensation  shall  be  allowed 
soldiers  performing  what  is  known  as  extra  or  special 
duty.  "Special  duty"  means  those  employed  as  com- 
pany cooks,  clerks,  gardeners,  etc.,  and  for  which  extra 
compensation  is  not  made  by  the  United  States.  Bak- 
ers and  one  company  cook  are  paid  extra  pay  from  mess 
or  bakery  funds.  It  follows  that  there  are  no  men  to 
be  reported  as  on  "extra  duty"  in  time  of  war.  Absent 
sick  are  those  left  in  hospital;  an  officer  absent  on  sick 
leave  is  reported  as  "absent  with  leave,"  not  as  "absent 
sick."2  Absent  sick  are  those  left  behind  on  account 
of  sickness  in  charge  of  station  or  wounded  and  sent 
to  hospital.  "Total"  present  or  absent  refers  to  the 
enlisted  men;  "aggregate"  present  or  absent  refers  to 
and  includes  both  officers  and  enlisted  men;  all  changes 
from  the  day  preceding  are  shown  in  figures,  and  also 
on  reverse  side  of  the  page  by  name,  with  notation  of 


lA.  R.  164-172. 
2Cir.  11,  1889. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  67 

reason  of  change,  and  these  figures  must  exactly  prove ; 
the  difference  between  all  gains  or  losses  to  or  from  the 
company  must  balance  to  agree  with  the  previous 
report.  The  muster-roll  is  prepared  from  the  data  in 
the  Morning  Keport  Book,  and  careful  study  of  the 
remarks  on  that  roll  will  indicate  the  information 
daily  to  be  noted.  A  monthly^  company  return  will  be 
forwarded  direct  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army 
from  all  detached  or  independent  batteries,  troops,  or 
companies,  in  the  field.  In  order  that  the  War  Depart- 
ment may  be  in  possession  of  the  latest  information 
respecting  the  Army,  all  returns,  muster  rolls,  etc.,  will 
be  promptly  forwarded^  when  due. 

Commanding  officers  of  volunteer^  regiments,  inde- 
pendent battalions  and  batteries  of  heavy  artillery, 
squadrons  and  light  batteries  will  furnish  to  the  adju- 
tant-generals of  their  respective  States  a  monthly 
return,  prepared  on  Form  No.  23.  (A.  G.  O.  February 
11,  1897.) 

POST  NON  COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 

The  sergeant-major  is  responsible  for  the  accuracy 
of  all  records  which  pertain  to  his  office;  he  must  of 
necessity  be  thoroughly  familiar  with  Army  Regula- 

IG.  O.  72,  1898. 
2G.  O.  72,  1898. 
3G.   O.  86,   1898. 

-5— 


58  Customs  of  the  Service. 

tions,  War  Department  orders  and  decisions,  Drill  Reg- 
ulations; he  maintains  the  roster  of  duty  of  the  en- 
listed force,  and  will  not  permit  any  conversation  on 
the  part  of  his  clerks  or  himself  relating  to  the  affairs 
of  the  office  which  come  under  notice,  except  to  the  com- 
manding officer  and  the  adjutant;  information  of  any 
such  official  matters  must  be  refused.  The  sergeant- 
major  attends  parade,  guard  and  drill  formations. 

The  quartermaster-sergeant,^  under  the  quarter- 
master, performs  varied  and  responsible  duties  of  the 
Quartermaster's  Department;  these  duties  are  so  im- 
portant, so  multiform,  that  enumeration  is  almost  im- 
possible: what  supplies  are  furnished,  how,  in  what 
proportion,  form  of  requisition,  how  accounted  for, 
which  may  be  expended,  forage,  fuel  allowances  and 
sales,  to  whom,  the  purchase  under  contract  or  open 
market,  the  shipping  of  persons  and  things,  transporta- 
tion requests,  both  over  free,  bond-aided,  and  full-pay- 
ment railways,  and  the  movement  of  troops  by  rail;  he 
must  be  a  good  accountant,  know  how  to  make  out  all 
these  papers,  etc.,  etc.  These  barely  outline  his  duties, 
which  experience,  not  books  of  instruction  or  orders, 
can  teach  the  novice. 

The  commissary  sergeant^  is  at  established  posts 
and  subsistence  depots  only,  and,  under  the  commis- 
sary officer,  has  charge  of  all  subsistence  stores,  re- 


lA.  R.  91-104. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  89 

ceipts,  issues,  sales;  he  should  be  an  expert  account- 
ant, and  have  a  clear  knowledge  of  stores  needed,  com- 
ponent and  exchangeable  parts  of  the  ration,  wast- 
ages, gains,  allowed,  and  issues  so  seen  in  advance  that 
there  be  no  deficiencies. 

Ordnance  sergeants^  (are  not  sergeants  of  ord- 
nance) are  employed  at  established  posts,  forts,  etc.,  in 
charge  of  the  ordnance  and  its  proper  preservation. 

The  quartermaster  and  commissary  sergeants  are 
among  the  most  meritorious  assistants  in  army  respon- 
sibility, and  since  their  organization  their  pay  has  been 
saved  many  times  over  to  the  Government  in  care  of 
public  property  and  knowing  all  about  just  how  requisi 
tions,  returns,  and  vouchers  should  be  prepared.  In 
time  of  war,  they  will  be  the  most  vauable  men  from 
whom  to  make  appointments  in  volunteer  staff  corps. 

Hospital  stewards^  may  be  appointed  from  civil 
life,  but  are  usually  appointed  from  men  already  in  ser- 
vice. A  hospital  steward  must  be  well  educated,  capa- 
ble of  keeping  the  records  and  making  reports,  have  a 
good  knowledge  of  drugs  and  their  uses  and  dangers, 
be  a  compounder  of  prescriptions,  and  with  sufficient 
knowledge  of  surgery  to  act  in  emergencies  and  to 
dress  wounds,  know  the  use  of  bandages  and  splints, 
and  have  a  fair  knowledge  of  dentistry;  he  has  care 
of  the  sick  in  hospital,  assisted  by  the  nurses;  during 


lA.  R.   91-104. 
2A.  R.  1397-1411. 


60  Customs  of  the  Service. 

absence  of  the  medical  officers,  he  sees  that  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  surgeon  for  the  sick  and  their  diet  are  rig- 
idly carried  out;  he  should  keep  the  air  always  sweet 
and  clean,  and  permit  no  rubbish  or  unpleasant  objects 
to  remain  in  the  sick  ward,  not  for  an  instant;  the 
steward  is  responsible  that  the  nurses  do  their  full 
duty;  it  will  not  do  to  report  that  he  told  them  to  do 
certain  things;  he  will  know  that  they  are  done,  or  the 
reason  why,  and  never  permit  any  neglects  to  pass  with- 
out notice  of  the  medical  officers.  Hospital  stewards 
cannot  be  reduced  to  the  ranks,  but,  like  other  soldiers, 
are  subject  to  the  Articles  of  War  and  Regulations. 

Signal  sergeants  are  required  to  possess  superior 
abilities  and  education ;  in  field  service,  they  are  mount- 
ed, and  must  care  for  their  horses  as  in  the  Cavalry; 
similar  knowledge  of  riding  and  care  of  horses  is  there- 
fore necessary  and  required.  They  must  be  expert  teleg 
raphers  and  proficient  in  the  exchange  of  both  day  and 
night  signals  by  flag,  torch,  and  heliograph.  Official 
and  military  messages  will  have  precedence.  Communi- 
cations transmitted  by  telegraph  or  signals  are  always 
confidential,  and  will  not  be  revealed  except  to  those 
officially  entitled  to  receive  them.  In  war,  signal  men 
will  often  be  left  in  exposed  positions,  and  must  be  pre- 
pared to  defend  themselves,  and,  if  escape  is  impos- 
sible, shall  destroy  all  signal  codes,  records,  and  mes- 
sages, rather  than  permit  capture  by  the  enemy.  The 
significant   number    for  enciphering   furnished   com- 


Customs  of  the  Service,  61 

manders  can  always  be  memorized,  and  not  committed 
to  paper.  In  other  organizations,  as  companies,  con- 
stant instruction  is  maintained^  until  at  least  one  officer 
and  four  privates  are  proficient — ^that  is,  can  send  and 
receive  five  words  per  minute,  each  five  letters  of  the 
written  message  to  count  as  one  word,  the  stations 
being  four  miles  apart.  The  War  code  will  be  used  for 
visual  signaling  in  the  Army,  and  for  intercommuni- 
cation with  the  Navy.  The  American  Morse  code  is 
discontinued,  except  for  telegraphic  purposes. 


MUSICIANS. 

The  chief  musician  is  leader  of  the  band.  The 
principal  musicians  are  band  sergeants.  Chief  trum- 
peters are  of  the  Cavalry. 

The  drum  major  acts  as  first  sergeant  of  the  band; 
the  regimental  commander  will  designate  the  company 
from  which  the  sergeant  is  taken,  and  the  number  of 
men  of  each  company  to  serve  with  the  band.  Vacan- 
cies thus  caused  will  not  be  filled.  The  band  will  con- 
sist of  one  sergeant  and  twenty  privates,  in  addition  to 
the  chief  musician  and  principal  musicians  or  chief 
trumpeter. 

Field  musicians  do  not  carry  a  sword;  their  guard 
duty  is  as  musician  of  the  guard  to  sound  calls,  and 


lA.  R.  1544  and  G.  O.  4  and  32,  1896. 


62  Customs  of  the  S^vice^ 

as  orderlies  and  messengers;  remaining  during  their 
guard  tour  with  the  main  guard  or  at  the  adjutant'^ 
tent,  as  directed.  When  sounding  calls,  don't  walk  or 
lounge  to  the  point  designated,  but  march  there,  and 
halt;  assume  a  soldierly  position  while  sounding  the 
call. 

ENGINEER  SOLDIERS. 

While  enlisted  as  are  other  soldiers  or  transferred 
to  the  Engineers,  they  are  expected  to  have  better 
education  and  superior  qualifications  as  mechanics 
and  in  general  ability.  Organized  as  the  Battalion  of 
Engineers,  with  headquarters  at  Willetts'  Point,  N.  Y., 
where,  while  performing  all  garrison  duties,  they  are 
practically  instructed  in  torpedo  service,  construction 
of  pontoons  and  other  bridge-building,  field  fortifica- 
tions, etc. 

THE  INFANTRY  SOLDIER. 

"Infantry  is  undoubtedly  the  main  stay  and  the 
backbone  of  all  armies,  whether  it  be  viewed  in  the 
light  of  numbers,  or  its  action  on  the  field  of  battle. 
Its  fire  is  more  deadly  than  that  of  the  artillery,  its 

action  sure .    On  the  infantry  of  an  army 

the  brunt  of  the  fighting  falls."  (Home's  Precis.)  "A 
good  infartiy  is  doubtless  the  nerve  of  an  army."  (Na- 
poleon.) To  the  infantryman,  cavalry  may  seem  easy  as 


Customs  of  the  Service,  63 

the  mounted  man  rides  past  the  tired  foot  soldier,  but 
the  cavalry  soldier  not  only  has  his  additional  equip- 
ments, pistol,  saber,  horse  equipments,  and  horse,  to 
clean  and  care  for,  but  is  more  often  on  vedette  duty, 
reconnaissance,  courier  service,  while  the  infantry  sol- 
dier rests  in  camp.  In  all  sorts  of  warfare,  infantry  is 
the  arm  to  which  must  be  assigned  unqualified  utility 
in  battle  and  applicability  to  every  kind  of  country." 
(Boguslawski.) 

THE  CAVALEY  SOLDIER. 

"PJ vents  have  shown  that  the  duties  of  cavalry,  not 
only  as  covering  the  advance  of  an  army,  as  outposts  or 
reconnoiterers,  but  also  on  the  actual  field  of  battle,  is 
perhaps  more  brilliant  than  ever.  True  it  is  that  the 
qualities  and  knowledge  now  required  of  cavalry  are 
different  from  what  they  were,  or,  to  put  it  more  cor- 
rectly, the  same  qualities  and  a  great  deal  more  besides 
are  needed.  Quickness,  coolness,  and  gallantry  are 
now,  as  always,  requisite  in  a  cavalry  soldier.''  (Home's 
Precis.)  ^'So  long  as  rapidity,  boldness,  and  dash  are 
active  agents  in  war,  cavalry  will  retain  its  importance. 
A  cavalry  devoid  of  these  qualities,  but  merely  possess- 
ing good  intentions,  obedience,  with  ordinary  bravery, 
and  a  laudable  modesty,  is  worse  than  none  at  all." 
(Captain  May.)  The  cavalry  are  the  eyes  and  ears  of 
the  Army.    "It  is  a  noble  and  right  feeling  for  the  sol- 


64  Customs  of  the  Service, 

dier  to  think  that  ^My  comrades  can  sleep,  as  I  am 
awake;  my  comrades  have  nothing  to  fear;  I  watch  the 
enemy.'  "  (Von  Mirus.)  Cavalry  must  never  wait  for 
the  attack,  but  always  take  the  initiative;  its  strength 
is  in  its  impetus;  its  pride  is  to  be  bold  and  daring;  a 
sudden  and  bold  charge  which  surprises  the  enemy  is 
not  only  successful,  but  the  loss  is  small  in  proportion 
to  its  success.^ 


THE  ARTILLERYMAN. 

Artillery  clears  the  way  for  the  infantry  attack  or 
checks  advance  of  the  enemy,  but  no  one  arm  is  com- 
plete; the  proper  use  of  tactical  maneuvers  is  in  com- 
bination of  the  three  arms,  letting  the  special  power 
of  each  develop  its  power,  and  especially  so  in  the  use 
of  artillery.  Artillery  is  nowadays  brought  or  should 
be  brought  into  action  in  more  advanced  positions; 
does  not  blaze  away  at  enormous  distances,  but  comes 
into  action  earlier  and  continues  in  action  much  later, 
even  at  the  risk  of  loss  of  some  guns.  "They  have  got 
rid  of  the  prejudice  that  the  loss  of  guns  must  be 
avoided  at  any  price.''  (Boguslawski.)  "They  concen- 
trate in  masses  and  cannonade  the  enemy's  position, 
preparing  the  way  for  the  infantry  which  follows." 
(Boguslawski.)   In  action,  supports  are  usually  posted 


IC.  D.  R.,  p.  356. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  65 

on  the  flanks,  rather  than  in  front  or  rear  of  the  guns. 

Light  batteries  in  war  have  six  guns,  and,  except 
drivers  and  chief  of  piece,  are  not  mounted,  but  ride  on 
the  caissons  and  limbers. 

In  horse  artillery  all  of  the  men  are  mounted. 

Heavy  artillery  is  employed  in  fortifications  and 
with  siege  train  with  officers  mounted. 

The  Gatling  gun  of  either  two  minor  calibers  is 
effective  against  troops  in  the  open  only,  and,  so  em- 
ployed, a  valuable  auxiliary;  it  is  helpless  against  artil- 
lery, has  neither  its  range  nor  power. 

ORDNANCE  SOLDIERS. 

Enlisted  as  other  soldiers;  have  special  work  at 
arsenals;  generally  employed  more  as  mechanics  than 
strictly  as  soldiers. 


^Q  Customs  of  the  Service. 


SUBSISTENCE. 

"Well,  he  was  an  ingenious  man  that  first  found  out  eat- 
ing and  drinking." — Swift. 

The  very,  very  important  consideration  of  feeding 
our  men  will  now  be  considered. 

The  food  supply  and  its  cooking  are  factors  un- 
known in  the  National  Guards,  whose  superb  drill  and 
attention  to  military  drill  is  otherwise  recognized  by 
all  oflQcers  of  the  permanent  establi^liment.  The  ration 
affords  abundance  for  three  meals  per  day,  and  few 
men  can  readily  consume  their  portion;  many  waste  it; 
and,  although  not  always  possessing  the  variety  de- 
sired, the  components  are  best  in  quality  and  for  sup- 
plying energy;  all  articles  are  rigidly  inspected  by  the 
purchasing  commissary  and  by  the  company  com- 
mander as  to  quality,  quantity,  sufficiency,  cooking, 
and  service;  no  good  results  can  be  assured  unless  this 
officer  gives  it  earnest  personal  attention.  The  Gov- 
ernment ration  is  also  supplemented  by  purchases  made 
from  sales  of  surplus  parts  of  the  ration,  savings  on 
the  bread  and  flour  ration,  and  profits  from  the  post  Ex- 
change. At  some  of  the  larger  posts  the  messing  is  coii- 
ducted  for  the  whole  command  at  the  post  mess-hall; 
experience  has  shown  that  better  results  and  content- 
ment are  obtained  in  the  company  mess,  with  the  im- 
portant gain  in  better  instruction  of  cooks  for  field 


Customs  of  the  Service,  67 

service  and  liow  best  to  divide  the  several  days'  rations, 
acquired  only  by  experience,  that  there  be  not  too  much 
cooked  at  first  to  find  shortage  the  latter  part  of  the 
ration  period.  It  must  be  quickly  learned  how  to  appor- 
tion the  ration  so  as  to  cover  the  entire  period  for 
which  issued.  Kations  are  issued  on  a  ration  return 
made  by  the  captain,  usually  for  a  period  of  three  or 
ten  days,  showing  exactly  the  number  of  men  present, 
and  deducting  for  rations  drawn  on  previous  return  for 
number  of  men  who  liave  been  absent  from  any  cause, 
sent  to  hospital,  detached,  etc.;  these  returns  are  then 
consolidated  by  the  colonel  and  sent  to  the  commissary 
for  issue  to  the  company;  the  captain  will  learn  when 
and  where  the  issue  is  to  be  made,  and  see  that  his  com- 
pany gets  them.  The  ration  is  so  abundant  that  with 
care  and  economy  parts  of  it  may  be  sold  and  purchases 
made  from  these  savings  of  vegetables,  dried  fruits, 
syrups,  pickles,  etc. 

The  Subsistence  Department  have  always  had  sub- 
sistence supplies  in  abundance  for  feeding  the  troops, 
but  of  what  avail  is  this,  if  officers  do  not  prepare  requi- 
sitions for  the  supplies,  and  not  then  leave  it  at  that, 
but  see  that  the  rations  are  delivered  where  they 
belong,  and  be  not  content  until  their  men  have  them? 
Somebody  is  responsible  if  the  rations  do  not  come; 
find  out  who  is  at  fault.  Reasonable  allowance  must  be 
made  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  there  will  be  privations^ 


68  Customs  of  the  Service, 

but  privations  then  expected  must  not  be  augmented 
at  other  times  by  remissness  or  neglect. 

The  ration  is  not  an  emolument;^  if  not  drawn 
at  the  time  and  at  the  place  where  due,  it  cannot  be 
subsequently  drawn  in  kind  or  money  (see  ^^Furloughs'^ 
for  exception). 

Issue  of  a  fractional  part  of  a  day's  ration  for  a 
fractional  part  of  a  day  will  not  be  made;  men  who 
join  station  at  or  before  dinner  hour  of  a  given  day 
will  draw  full  rations  for  the  day. 

Subsistence  stores  are  sold  at  cost  to  officers  and 
enlisted  men  for  cash  or  on  credit^  to  those  who  have 
not  been  regularly  paid  or  who  are  in  the  field.  Many 
necessary  articles  may  be  procured  in  this  way,  as 
tobacco,  pipes,  cigars,  stationery,  brushes,  combs, 
handkerchiefs,  towels,  canned  goods,  toilet  soaps,  etc., 
and  at  actual  cost  to  the  Government  at  place  where 
purchased. 

When  troops  travel  otherwise  than  by  marching, 
or  when  for  short  periods  they  are  separated  from  cook- 
ing facilities  and  do  not  carry  cooked  rations,  they  are 
issued  the  ^^travel  ration''^  of  soft  or  hard  bread,  canned 
beef,  baked  beans,  and  21  cents  each  per  day  for  pur- 
chase of  liquid  coffee. 

The  company  commander  will  inspect  subsistence 


lA.  R.  1258. 
2A.  R.  1285. 
3A.  R.  1266. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  69 

supplies  issued  to  his  company  immediately  on  receipt 
thereof;  should  any  of  the  supplies  not  be  in  good  con- 
dition, a  board  of  survey  will  be  applied  for  at  once 
to  examine  and  report  upon  them.^  Fresh  meats  must 
be  entirely  fresh,  and  bacon  sweet  and  without  discol- 
oration; the  Government  does  not  permit  issue  of  dam- 
aged food,  and  the  company  commander  is  directly  re- 
sponsible that  such  food  be  not  given  to  his  men,  but 
that  he  take  the  action  indicated  herein. 

In  canned  goods,  if  the  top  of  the  can  shows  press- 
ure of  gases  within  the  can,  the  contents  are  unfit  for 
consumption,  and  if  many  such  cans  are  found  in  a 
case,  it  might  be  reason  to  discredit  the  entire  case. 

A  very  serviceable  oven  of  galvanized  iron  is  now 
supplied  troops  for  use  in  camps  of  some  duration, 
and  good  bread  may  be  nicely  baked  therein,  if  the 
oven  and  bread-troughs  be  protected  from  winds  and 
stormy  weather. 

Commutation.^ 

To  a  soldier  on  furlough,  rate  per  day |0  25 

To   soldiers  on   duty  at    station   without   other 

troops,  per  day 40 

To  a  soldier  stationed  in  a  city  or  town,  where 
subsistence  is  not  furnished  by  the  Gov- 
ernment         75 

lA.  R.  1241  and  708  et  seq. 
2A.  R.  1272. 


70  Customs  of  the  Service, 

To  enlisted  men  traveling  over  24  hours  under 
orders  and  it  is  impracticable  to  cairj'  ratioiis 
of  any  kind,  but  not  allowed  in  excess  of  two 
men,  or  three  men  if  one  be  an  insane  patient 
under  guard  (and  see  A.  R.  1272  and  Circular 
3,  A.  G.  0. 1896,  in  forwarding  recruits),  rate 

per  day |1  50 

An  order  directing  travel  of  an  enlisted  man  will 
state  that  the  journey  is  necessary  for  the  public 
service. 

Medical  officers  of  alU  hospitals  are  allowed  to 
commute^  the  rations  for  diet  of  enlisted  men  under- 
going medical  treatment  at  the  rate  of  GO  cents  per  day 
per  man. 

The  Ration, 

The  established  daily  ration,  allowance  for  one 
person,  is  now  composed  as  follows  (same  ration  in  gar- 
rison and  camp):  Fresh  beef,  20  ounces,  or  pork,  12 
ounces,  or  salt  beef,  22  ounces,  or  bacon,  12  ounces,  or 
(when  meat  cannot  be  furnished)  dried  fish,  14  ounces, 
or  pickled  fish,  18  ounces;  flour,  18  ounces,  or  soft 
bread,  18  ounces,  or  hard  bread,  16  ounces,  or  corn 
meal,  20  ounces;  potatoes,  16  ounces,  or  potatoes,  12  4  5 
ounces,  and  onions,  3  1-5  ounces,  or  potatoes,  11  1-5 
ounces,  and  canned  tomatoes,  4  4-5  ounces.  The  other 
components  are,  to  the  one  hundred  rations:  Bears 
or  pease,  15  pounds,  or  rice  or  hominy,  10  pounds; 

IG.  O.  116,  1898,  and  G.  O.  130,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  71 

coffee,  green,  10  pounds,  or  roasted  coffee,  8  pounds,  or 
tea,  2  pounds;  sugar,  15  pounds,  or  molasses,  2  gallons; 
vinegar,  1  gallon;  salt,  4  pounds;  pepper,  black,  4 
ounces;  soap,  4  pounds;  candles,  24  ounces;  baking 
powder  for  troops  in  the  field,  when  necessary  to  enable 
them  to  bake  their  own  bread,  4  pounds.  Canned  sal- 
mon^ is  added  as  one  of  the  meat  components  of  the 
ration,  at  the  rate  of  16  ounces  to  the  ration.  Ordi- 
narily fresh  beef  will  be  issued  six  days  in  ten;  salt 
meats,  three  days  in  ten;  and  canned  salmon,  one  day 
in  ten.  These  proportions  of  the  meat  ration  may,  bow- 
ever,  be  varied^  by  commanding  officers,  according  to 
the  necessities  of  the  service. 

Coohing, 
***    *    *    and  the  devil  sends  cooks." — John  Taylor,  1630. 

Cooking  the  ration,  so  important  and  on  which  the 
health  and  contentment  of  the  men  rest,  cannot  be 
completely  treated  upon  in  these  pages.  A  Manual  for 
Army  Cooks  is  distributed  by  the  War  Department 
for  their  instruction;  each  company  commander  is  re- 
quired to  see  that  his  company  is  furnished  with  two 
copies.2 

Preparation  of  the  food  is  of  vital  importance  in 
conserving  health.  The  Act  approved  July  7,  1898,  au- 
thorizes and  directs  that  there  be  enlisted  for  each  com- 
pany a  competent  cook,  who  shall  take  rank  and  pay 

IG.  O.  65,  1898. 
2G.  O.  94,  1898. 


72  Customs  of  the  Service, 

of  a  corporal.  ^Colored  cooks  may  be  enlisted  for  white 
regiments  of  Volunteers.  Examination^  of  qualifica- 
tions required.  Cooks  required  to  attend  drills,  etc., 
to  qualify  them  for  duty  as  soldiers  when  necessity 
arises.  The  head  cook  may  be  allowed  25^  cents  per 
day  from  the  company  fund;  he  is  assisted  by  a  suflfi- 
cient^  number  of  men  as  assistant  cooks,  and  daily 
details,  to  chop  wood,  carry  water,  clean  cooking  uten- 
sils, etc.;  they  are  known  as  the  "cook's  police."  The 
company  commander  is  required^  to  supervise  the  cook- 
ing and  messing  of  his  men,  and  management  of  the 
cooking,  so  that  the  best  possible  use  be  made  of  the 
food  supply;  if  rations  have  been  drawn  for  a  speci- 
fied period  and  do  not  hold  out,  the  captain  is  the 
responsible  man.  Constant,  unremitting  attention  is 
demanded. 

Make  changes  of  diet  as  frequently  as  possi- 
ble; combinations  of  potatoes  with  carrots,  turnips, 
cabbage,  etc.  Soup  is  easily  made  if  you  have  meat, 
bread,  and  camp-kettles  (but  always  have  the  grease 
taken  off  before  serving).  Fresh  vegetables  should  be 
obtained  whenever  possible,  potatoes  and  onions  espe- 
cially (this  is  part  of  the  regular  issue);  tomatQes  are 
a  better  anti-scorbutic  than  potatoes;  lime  juice  is 
desirable,  as  well  as  vinegar. 


iCir.  30,  1898. 
2G. O.  94,  189& 
3A.  R.  302. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  73 

The  writer,  as  long  ago  as  September,  1870,  urged 
enlistment  of  cooks,  through  the  columns  of  the  Army 
and  Navy  Journal,  in  the  following  words.  Congress 
having  provided  that  cooks  be  detailed  to  serve  ten 
days:  "The  result  of  their  culinary  labors  is  seen  in  the 
enormous  waste  of  food,  the  unsatisfactory  manner  in 
which  it  is  served,  the  burnt  or  half  raw  coffee,  and  the 
endless  sameness  of  diet.  Do  men  so  detailed  as  cooks 
know  or  care  that  the  proper  temperature  for  boiling 
meat  should  be  about  160°?  Do  they  not  invariably 
apply  an  excess  of  heat — "hard  boiling,"  as  it  is  termed 
— which  renders  the  meat  tough,  dry,  tasteless,  and 
indigestible?  Surely  such  a  state  of  things  is  a  power- 
ful argument  in  favor  of  reform.  The  remedy  is  simple 
and  inexpensive.  Enlist  men  whose  proclivities  or  pur- 
suits qualify  them  especially  for  employment  as  cooks. 
Let  them  be  thoroughly  instructed  at  the  general 
recruiting  depots  by  such  men  as  Pierre  Blot,  or  like 
competent  chefs,  in  the  preparation,  cooking,  and  ser- 
vice of  the  Army  ration  and  such  other  articles  as 
are  commonly  purchased  with  the  company  savings. 
.  .  .  The  superior  knowledge  of  this  corps  would  con- 
vert the  U.  S.  Army  ration,  now  the  largest,  into  the 
best  in  the  world.  The  French  realize  the  value  and 
importance  of  a  proper  cuisine.  During  that  terrible 
Crimean  winter  the  celebrated  Soyer  visited  and  in- 
structed the  armies  of  the  Empire  in  his  .art,  and 
largely  contributed  to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the 


74  Customs  of  the  Service, 

troops It  has  been  truly  said:  ^Give  a  French- 
man a  bone,  a  morsel  of  salt,  pepper,  an  onion,  a  bay 
leaf,  the  result  will  be  an  elegant  potage.^ "  The  fore- 
going has  since  been  advocated,  in  and  out  of  season. 
"Everything  comes  to  him  who  waits." 

In  cooking,  while  some  seasoning  is  desirable, 
remember  that  it  is  better  to  add  salt  and  pepper  than 
to  have  too  much  already  in.  Hucksters  having  for 
sale  pies  and  cakes  should  be  driven  out  of  camp. 
Good,  sound,  simple  food  and  plenty  of  it,  with  coffee 
and  tea,  that  is  all  a  man  needs.  The  unavoidable  pri- 
vations incident  to  war  are  multiplied  many  times  if  the 
captain  is  remiss  in  attention  to  the  cooking  for  his 
company. 

In  the  field,  the  utensils  are  of  a  primitive  char- 
acter, consisting  of  camp-kettles,  mess-pans,  and  Dutch 
ovens:  the  usual  and  most  simple  cooking-place  is  a 
trench  18  inches  wide,  12  inches  deep,  and  from  4  to  6 
feet  long.  At  each  end  place  a  forked  stick,  or  iron  bar 
with  a  hook  and  a  stout  sapling  or  iron  bar,  from  which 
to  suspend  the  kettles.  The  Buzzacott  field  oven,  the 
invention  of  one  of  our  soldier  cooks,  is  not  without 
merits;  it  is  practically  a  large  baking-pan  of  sheet- 
iron  with  a  similar  pan  inverted  over  it  as  a  cover; 
better  results  are  obtainable  than  from  thp  open  pan; 
it  is  issued  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 


Customs  of  the  Service. 

EXTEMPORIZED  COOKING-PLACE-THE  TRENCH. 


76 


The  Dutch  ovens,  of  two  sizes,  cast-iron,  with  a 
cover,  are  also  supplied  by  the  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment, about  half  a  dozen  to  the  company;  they  are  cum- 
bersome to  carry,  but  very  useful  in  roasting,  baking 
biscuits,  etc.  Care  should  be  taken  that  they  are  quite 
hot  before  the  subsistence  is  placed  in  them  for  cook- 
ing. It  should  then  be  imbedded  in  the  coals  and  the 
lid  covered  with  coals  and  hot  ashes. 

Bread, 

Every  effort  made,  when  troops  are  in  canton- 
ments, to  construct  field  ovens  for  bread-baking,  or  to 
construct  ovens,  except  when  the  troops  are  in  a  fixed 
camp,  is  waste  of  labor;  we  must  also  try  to  have  the 
general  issue  of  bread  manufactured  conveniently  close 
to  where  used,  as  it  soon  becomes  mouldy  and  unfit  for 
food.  Colonel  Furse,  C.B.,  writes:  '^Bread  is  the  basis 
of  all  nutriment;  it  is  the  food  to  which  man  is  most  ac- 
customed. With  sufficient  bread,  the  soldier  can  for  a 
certain  period  of  time,  when  necessity  demands  it,  do 
without  other  nutritious  substances.  As  the  manufact- 
ure and  carriage  of  bread  on  service  is  attended  with 


76  Customs  of  the  Service. 

considerable  difficulty,  we  are  driven  to  use  biscuit  as 
a  substitute  for  it.  .  .  .  Such  medical  officers  are  op- 
posed to  a  continuous  consumption  of  biscuit  [which 
we  call  hard  bread. — P.],  as  being  indigestible  on  ac- 
count of  the  avidity  with  which  it  absorbs  water  or 
other  liquids.  They  argue  that,  once  introduced  in  the 
stomach,  it  absorbs  all  the  liquid  it  finds  there;  if  that 
is  not  sufficient,  it  abstracts  from  the  mucous  mem- 
branes certain  fluids,  which  the  latter  borrows  from  the 
blood.  For  these  reasons  they  recommend  that  its  issue 
be  restricted  to  every  third  day.'' 

Soldiers  soon  tire  of  hard  bread — perhaps  without 
knowing  why;  the  cause  may  be  thus  explained. 

"  Water. 

Water  should  always  be  boiled  before  drinking;  it 
will  be  more  palatable  if  aerated  by  pouring  from  one 
vessel  to  another;  boiling  is  especially  necessary  in 
tropical  countries;  it  is  a  means  for  removing  noxious 
matter  and  destroying  microbes;  a  filter  of  some  sort 
should  also  be  used,  whether  the  water  is  boiled  or  not. 
Pocket  or  tank  filters  are  a  necessity  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  health. 

^"The  perfect  portable  filter  has  yet  to  be  invented. 
Those  in  use  now,  although  in  many  respects  satisfac- 
tory, have  drawbacks  that  to  a  large  extent  nullify 


iMedical  Record,  August,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  77 

their  efficiency.  As  has  been  recently  pointed  out  by 
Dr.  Sajous,  a  filter,  thoroughly  to  answer  the  purpose 
required  by  a  soldier  in  the  field,  should  be  strong, 
portable,  capable  of  turning  out  a  large  quantity  of 
water  in  a  short  time,  and  so  constructed  that  it  can  be 
easily  taken  apart  and  cleansed.  No  filter  at  present 
in  the  market  fulfills  all  these  conditions.  Undoubt- 
edly the  most  certain  way  of  sterilizing  water  is  by 
boiling,  and  it  is  the  best  method  of  combating  the  dis- 
eases incidental  to  a  tropical  climate.  Nevertheless, 
this  mode  of  sterilization  is  open  to  objection,  not  the 
least  of  which  is  that  unless  the  water  so  treated  is  sub- 
sequently oxygenated  it  is  a  tasteless  fluid/' 

Spirituous  Liquors, 

Medical  authorities  dispute  on  the  use^  of  alcoholic 
beverages.  Some  still  hold  that  they  are  at  times  inval- 
uable. Many  a  frame  exhausted  and  sinking  has  been 
sustained  by  the  stimulus  of  brandy  till  Nature  had 
time  to  rally.  Others  contend  that  their  daily  consump- 
tion tends  to  weaken  rather  than  invigorate;  that  alco 
hoi  is  not  desirable  in  health,  and  certainly  to  be  avoid- 
ed in  hot  climates;  that  its  use  is  injurious  both  to 
health  and  to  discipline,  and  while  at  first  stimulating, 
depression  follows.  "Intoxicating  liquors  are  the  curse 
of  an  army,"  was  the  verdict  of  one  of  our  surgeons. 


iWoodhulFs  "Army  Hygiene." 


78  Customs  of  the  Service, 

who  had  had  plenty  of  war  experience.  ^The  history  of 
other  armies  has  demonstrated  that  in  a  hot  climate 
abstinence  from  the  use  of  intoxicating  drink  is  essen- 
tial to  continued  health  and  efficiency.  ^The  fact  ha^ 
been  conclusively  proved  that,  when  men  are  under- 
going severe  exertion  in  extremes  of  temperature,  alco- 
hol in  any  fonii  is  not  only  unnecessary,  but  is  abso- 
lutely injurious.  It  was  observed  that,  in  Cuba,  while 
the  lower  classes  indulged  in  rum,  which  is  made  from 
the  waste  of  the  sugar-cane  and  sold  very  cheaply,  ale 
and  beer,  instead  of  stronger  alcoholic  beverages,  are 
greatly  preferred,  and  to  drink  brandy  or  whisky  after 
eating  a  banana  may  induce  yellow  fever. 

Coffee. 

Dr.  Banders  remarks:  "Twenty  years  of  campaign- 
ing experience  has  demonstrated  that  no  other  beverage 
is  so  wholesome,  so  efficacious  and  beneficial,  and  also, 
what  will  surprise,  so  palatable,  in  marches  undertaken 
under  excessive  heat,  as  unsweetened  coffee  largely 
diluted  with  water.  The  liquid  is  a  tonic,  and  at  the 
same  time  refreshing,  and  has  a  thirst-quenching  prop- 
erty which  is  not  found  in  an  equal  degree  in  any  other 
beverage;  it  arrests  thirst,  and  diminishes  greatly  the 
perspiration,  which  so  fatigues  and  enervates  the 
marching  man,"    It  is  a  grand  relief  to  the  fatigu :d 


IG.  O.  87,  1898. 

2Medic(U  Record,  August,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  79 

soldier  on  his  return  from  picket  or  other  trying  duty 
to  find  that  at  his  company  he  will  get  a  refreshing  cup 
of  coffee.  At  night,  if  within  reach  of  the  guard,  coffee 
and  bread  should  always  be  sent  there  for  refreshment 
when  men  come  off  post. 

Tea. 

Tea  is  a  good  and  useful  article  of  diet,  but  sol- 
diers generally  do  not  like  it;  probably  because  of  its 
bitterness,  caused  by  boiling  instead  of  steeping;  it  is 
a  stimulative  and  restorative  and  most  reinvigorating 
in  hot  climates;  a  soldier  with  canteen  filled  with  cold 
tea,  only  slightly  sweetened,  finds  himself  far  better 
sustained  on  a  hard  and  hot  march  than  he  who  fills 
and  refills  his  canteen  at  every  passing  creek,  not  o^ly 
with  warmish  water,  but  water  impregnated  with  offen- 
sive matter.  ^"Tea  infused  in  boiling  water  is  certainly 
much  more  palatable  than  insipid  boiled  water,  as  well 
as  being  practically  harmless.  Therefore  there  would 
seem  to  be  no  reason  why  our  army  in  Cuba  should 
not  follow  the  example  of  their  British  brothers  in 
arms  in  India  and  Egypt,  and  march  and  fight  re- 
freshed and  invigorated  by  cold  tea." 

^"The  late  Mr.  Ernest  Hart  was  a  strong  advocate 
of  what  he  termed  ^the  doctrine  of  the  teakettle,'  and 
many  distinguished  Indian  commanders  have  testified 


iMedical  Record,  August,  1898. 


80  Customs  of  the  Service. 

in  favor  of  tea  as  a  means  of  quenching  soldiers'  thirst 
when  on  a  long  march  in  equatorial  lands.  The  men 
under  the  leadership  of  Sir  Herbert  Kitchener  during 
the  recent  campaign  in  the  Soudan  were  allowed  no 
alcoholic  stimulants  whatever,  but  performed  their 
long  journey  through  the  desert,  ending  with  the 
victory  at  Atbara,  on  cold  tea." 

i"One  of  the  most  efficacious  ways  of  quenching 
thirst,  when  there  is  a  strong  pressure  for  uninter- 
rupted action  on  the  part  of  the  soldier,  is  to  fill  his 
canteen  with  tea.  Of  course  this  would  be  made  from 
boiled  water,  and  the  addition  of  a  few  drops  of  lemon 
juice  would  increase  its  power  of  exciting  the  salivary 
glands  to  greater  activity,  and  it  is  an  expedient  often 
resorted  to  when  it  is  desirable  that  the  least  possible 
amount  of  liquid  should  be  ingested." 

Meats, 

Meat  is  an  essential  to  replace  the  losses  of  bodily 
strength  after  severe  exertions.  Herds  of  cattle  sent 
with  the  troops  are  very  burdensome,  but  fresh  meat 
carried  in  wagons  soon  becomes  uneatable,  or,  if  cut  up 
and  carried  by  the^  soldier  in  his  haversack,  is  unfit  to 
eat  after  twenty-four  hours.  Fresh  pork  and  veal  are 
never  issued;  liable  to  cause  diarrhea.  Bacon  is  easily 
transported,  but  not  acceptable  in  hot  climates.  If  the 
fat  of  the  bacon  is  yellow  and  the  taste  is  strong,  the 

iScientiflc  American,  July,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  81 

meat  is  rusty  or  tainted;  neither  is  it  in  condition  for 
issue  if  the  lean  parts  have  brown  or  black  spots.  Stale 
mixed  dishes  or  hash  prepared  the  night  before  it  is 
eaten  are  liable  to  induce  sickness.  If  hash  is  to 
be  served  for  breakfast,  the  meat  and  potatoes,  etc., 
may  be  prepared  the  night  previous,  but  never  mixed 
together  until  ready  to  be  cooked,  as  fermentation — 
sour  hash,  and  bowel  troubles — will  otherwise  result. 
Observe  the  constant  attention  essential  if  health 
would  be  saved. 

Boiling  meat  is  one  of  the  most  abused  methods 
of  cooking  it  as  boiled  in  the  Army.  For  example,  rapid 
boiling  should  be  avoided;  after  having  first  been  put 
in  boiling  hot  water  for  about  eight  or  ten  minutes, 
so  as  to  coagulate  the  albumen  on  the  surface  and  pre- 
vent escape  of  the  juices,  then  reduce  the  furious  boil 
to  about  170°  (hot  as  a  finger  can  bear).  If,  however, 
it  be  intended  to  make  soup,  then  the  meat  would  be 
put  in  cold  water  at  the  start.  The  tendency  among 
inexperienced  cooks  is  to  boil  or  roast  too  rapidly. 
While  soldiers  do  not  like  meats  cooked  rare,  they  are 
more  nutritious  than  with  all  the  juices  cooked  out. 
Boiling  in  fat,  which  is  practically  frying,  is  very  ob- 
jectionable and  the  least  wholesome  of  all  cooking — 
that  is,  as  it  is  done  in  the  Army,  and  especially  so 
in  out-of-doors  cooking;  it  absorbs  the  grease,  and  this, 
in  turn,  is  an  irritant  in  the  stomach. 


82  Customs  of  the  Service, 

Beans  and  Pease. 

These  constitute  a  nutritious  diet,  but  must  have 
careful  cooking  or  be  wholly  indigestible;  soak  over 
night,  and  use  soft  water  in  boiling;  to  make  it  so,  add 
a  teaspoonf ul  of  bicarbonate  of  soda  to  each  two  quarts 
of  beans;  cover,  and  boil  slowly  for  six  or  eight  hours. 

Vegetables  need  careful  washing  to  rid  them  of 
insects  and  soil.  Potatoes  boil  for  twenty  minutes; 
when  the  skins  break  or  seem  soft  when  tested  with  a 
fork,  they  are  cooked;  then  check  the  boiling  with  a 
dash  of  cold  water,  heat  again,  pour  off  the  water,  and 
leave  uncovered. 

The  foregoing  is  in  no  sense  an  attempt  to  teach 
how  to  cook;  it  may  serve  to  invite  thought  to  this 
vitally  important  matter,  the  preparation  of  the  food 
supply. 

The  Emergency  Ration, 

This  ration,  composed  of  bacon,  pea  meal  (for 
soup),  coffee,  saccharine,  and  hard  bread  (this  in  small 
cubes),  has  not  as  yet  been  freely  issued  to  the  Army, 
although  found  in  limited  quantities  at  army  posts. 

In  the  German  Army,  each  soldier  carries  in  his 
pack  a  three-days  ration,  called  the  "iron  ration,"  a^d 
to  be  used  when  all  other  means  for  feeding  the  sol- 
dier fail,  and  then  only  by  direction  of  superior  au- 
thority.   This  also  means  discipline. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  83 


MILITARY  CLOTHING. 

Military  clothing  should  be  adapted  to  the  eiiinate 
in  which  serving;  that  heretofore  furnished  the  Army 
will  not  meet  the  necessities  of  field  service  in  trop- 
ical countries;  however,  some  admirable  changes  are 
recently  ordered;  but  with  the  khaki  or  cotton  drill- 
ing outer  clothing,  great  care  must  be  taken  that  proper 
wool  underclothing  be  also  worn,  that  sudden  cooling 
off  of  the  body  may  be  tempered  and  the  perspiration 
absorbed.  Brief  reference  and  only  the  field  uniform, 
and  fighting  clothing  will  be  here  considered.  The 
object  of  clothing  is  attained  in  proper  protection 
of  the  body,  regard  being  had  to  heat  and  cold,  and 
for  military  clothing  the  essential  of  uniformity,  nor 
should  slouchiness  and  neglect  with  respect  to  uni- 
forms be  permitted,  as  they  simply  had  to  abuses,  and 
do  not  contribute  to  comfort.  It  is  conceded  that  hard 
campaigns  will  cause  hard  usage,  but  there  is  neither 
necessity  nor  sense  in  permitting  the  march  or  arrival 
of  troops  some  in  the  blue  shirt,  others  with  the 
blouse,  and  others  in  khaki,  some  with  caps,  some  with 
the  felt  hat;  such  things  usually  indicate  disorder  and 
want  of  discipline.  Soldiers  should  wear  the  uniform 
prescribed,  without  addition  or  change,  and,  discard- 
ing State  uniforms,  conform  strictly  to  the  undress  of 


84  Customs  of  the  Service. 

the  U.  S.  Army.  "On  campaign  one  very  quickly  i>er- 
ceives  the  inconvenience  of  the  garments  which  in 
garrison  or  city  military  life  were  required  to  fit  so 
snugly,  of  the  boots  ordered  to  be  made  so  tight. 
When  marching,  the  cramped  limbs  find  no  repose; 
when  the  boots,  dried  by  the  fire,  shrink  still  more  on 
the  feet  already  swollen  by  fatigue,  when  their  thin 
soles  have  broken  through,  one  would  give  a  great  deal 
to  be  able  to  exchange  his  natty  uniform  for  easy-fitting 
clothes  and  shoes.  In  war  only  the  useful  and  durable 
are  the  elegant." 

Cotton  and  linen  are  cool,  but,  with  the  cessation 
of  hard  exercise,  the  body  is  chilled  too  rapidly  and 
there  is  danger  of  "taking  cold."  On  the  other  hand, 
heavy  woolen  clothing  is  horribly  uncomfortable  on  a 
hot  day;  it,  however,  absorbs  the  perspiration. 

The  prices  below  indicate  the  cost  at  which  issued, 
taking  effect  July  Isit. 

The  blue  flannel  shirt  (|1.95)  should  never  be  dis- 
carded wholly;  this  and  the  knit  undershirt  (40  cents), 
taken  off  at  close  of  the  day's  march,  hung  in  the  wind 
and  sun  and  beaten,  thus  cleansing  them  of  disagree- 
able and  unhealthy  particles.  The  sweater  now  so 
popular  has  been  found  very  serviceable. 

Drawers,  even  in  hottest  weather,  are  necessary 
for  cleanliness,  health,  and  to  prevent  chafing;  knit 
wool  (40  cents).  Canton  flannel  (48  cents). 


Customs  of  the^t1v%vvr     ^^^  85 

The  campaign  hat  as  issued  is  of  drab  felt  (85 
cents). 

Forage  cap,  with  ornament  (89  cents). 

The  undress  coat  is  a  loose  flannel  sack,  to  be  worn 
buttoned,  not  in  a  slouchy  manner  (|3.48). 

The  trousers  as  issued  are  of  sky-blue  kersey 
(|2.75);  should  fit  easily  over  the  lower  pelvis. 

Leggings,  of  brown  canvas  (64  cents),  are  a  very 
desirable  article,  rendering  marching  easier  by  avoid- 
ance of  the  flapping  at  bottom  of  trousers;  support  the 
ankles;  keep  gravel  and  dirt  out  of  the  shoes.  Don't 
be  without  them;  the  dirt  which  without  them  would 
collect  under  the  trousers  is  avoided,  and  they  have 
the  advantage  of  being  easily  removed  on  arrival  in 
camp,  and  of  being  cleaned  separately. 

Stockings,  cotton  (6  cents),  woolen  (23  cents);  the 
latter  better  for  the  marching  shoe.  Observe  the  need 
of  removing  and  drying  out  lest  chilled  feet  cause 
chilled  bodies  and  sickness.  In  the  German  Army  a 
square  woolen  rag  is  substituted  for  the  stocking. 

Shoes,  most  important,  imperative,  to  conform  to 
or  to  wear  the  shoes  issued  by  the  Quartermaster's 
Department;  low  broad  heels,  thick  wide  soles,  to  pro- 
ject beyond  the  upper  leather;  while  fitting  easily,  no- 
where too  large;  the  friction  would  cause  shoe  blisters; 
unauthorized  shoes  not  to  be  permitted;  few  things  in 
campaign  sooner  disable  men  than  being  foot-sore, 
and  campaigns  ai*e  won  by  marching.    The  Army  shoe 


86  Customs  of  the  Service. 

of  calfskin  costs  |2.25.  Barrack  shoes  (82  cents)  for  in- 
door wear.  The  feet  should  be  well  soaped  or  greased 
to  prevent  chafing;  at  close  of  the  day's  march  they 
should  be  washed  or  wiped  very  clean  and  dry;  very 
important. 

Blankets,  woolen  (|3.33),  burdensome  to  carry  on 
a  hot  day,  but  never  throw  away.  Can  best  be  carried 
as  a  blanket-roll  worn  over  the  shoulder. 

Overcoats,  light  blue  kersey  ($11.49). 

Ponchos,  rubber,  a  good  article  (|1.41),  not  only  as 
a  rain-protector,  but  excellent  for  use  if  obliged  to  lie 
on  the  ground. 

Abdominal  protectors,  a  wide  elastic  woolen  band, 
worn  next  the  skin  over  the  bowels,  are  not  issued, 
but  their  use  is  highly  commended  by  medical  men 
as  a  preventive  of  abdominal  diseases  and  bowel  dis- 
turbances arising  from  sudden  changes  of  temperature, 
especially  in  tropical  climates.  Cost  from  40  cents  to 
11.00  each. 

Trousers  stripes,  infantry,  sergeants',  26  cents; 
corporals',  12  cents;  musicians',  24  cents. 

Chevrons,  infantry,  cloth,  sergeants',  18  cents; 
corporals',  14  cents. 

Gloves,  white  Berlin,  10  cents. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  87 

Field  Uniforms^  Canvas  and  Summer. 

The  following  described  garments,  in  addition  to 
the  prescribed  uniform,  are  authorized:^ 

For  general  officers:  A  blouse  of  dark  blue  cloth  or 
serge,  with  four  outside  pockets  with  flaps,  rolling  col- 
lar, double-breasted,  with  two  rows  of  buttons,  as  on 
the  dress  coat. 

For  all  other  officers:  A  blouse  of  dark  blue  cloth 
or  serge,  with  four  outside  pockets,  falling  collar,  sin- 
gle-breasted, five  buttons.  The  shoulder-straps  will 
always  be  worn  with  this  coat.  Collar  device,^  same  as 
on  the  standing  collar;  in  the  case  of  the  Volunteers, 
the  letter  V.  will  be  added  to  the  U.  S.,  and  the  desig- 
nation of  the  State,  in  abbreyiated  form,  will  be  worn 
below  the  intersection  of  the  crossed  sabers,  cannon,  or 
rifles,  as  the  case  may  be. 

For  all  commissioned  officers,  field  service:  A 
blouse  of  cotton  drilling  or  khaki,^  five  buttons,  light 
brown  color,  standing  collar,  a  strap  on  each  shoulder 
from  sleeve  to  collar  seam,  with  small  regulation  but- 
ton at  upper  point,  straps  1^  inches  wide  at  sleeve 
and  1  inch  wide  at  collar;  on  each  sleeve  a  false  pointed 
cuff;  the  cuffs,  straps  and  collar  of  same  material  as 
coat;  the  facings^  shall  be  worn  by  officers  and  enlisted 


IG.  O.  38,  1898. 
2Cir.  18. 
3G.  O.  39,  1898. 
4G.  O.  112,  1898. 


88  Customs  of  the  Service, 

men  upon  the  shoulder-straps^  only.  Officers  below 
rank  of  colonel  wear  insignia  of  rank  on  the  strap; 
between  the  insignia  of  rank  and  the  collar  will  be 
worn  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  United  States.  The 
crossed  sabers,  cannon,  or  rifles  will  be  worn  on  the 
collar^  of  the  khaki  blouse.  Officers  of  the  rank  of  colo- 
nel and  above  will  have  the  coat  of  arms  on  each  side 
of  the  collar,  together  with  the  insignia  of  the  corps 
or  arm. 

The  color  of  the  facings^  for  the  field  uniform 
will  be:  General  officers  and  officers  of  the  staff  corps, 
dark  sky  blue.  Infantry,  light  sky  blue.  Artillery, 
scarlet.  Engineer  troops,  scarlet,  piped  with  white. 
Post  quartermaster  sergeant,  white,  piped  with  buff. 
Ordnance,  crimson,  piped  with  white.  Post  commis- 
sary sergeant,  white,  piped  with  cadet  gray.  Sergeant 
Signal  Corps,  black,  piped  with  white.  Hospital  Corps, 
emerald  green. 

Trousers,^  same  material  as  the  blouse  or  cloth,  of 
usual  colors  and  facings,  except  that  no^  stripes  will 
be  worn  with  the  khaki  trousers.  For  dismounted  offi- 
cers, to  fit  loosely  above  and  at  the  knee,  and  follow 
the  shape  of  the  leg  from  above  the  calf  to  the  top  of 


IG.  O.  112,  1898. 
2Cir.  25. 
3G.  O.  51,  1898. 
4G.   O.  39,   1898. 
5Cir.  22,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  89 

the  shoe,  fastened  by  buttons,  etc.  For  mounted  ser- 
vice, to  be  made  loose  above  the  knee,  fitting  close  at 
the  knee  and  below,  extending  to  the  top  of  shoes,  and 
fastened  with  buttons ;  to  be  worn  with  shoes  and  leg- 
gings or  boots. 

Shoes^  or  boots,  fair  or  russet  leather. 

Prices^  of  field  uniforms  (canvas),  as  issued  by  the 
Quartermaster's  Department :  Coats,  |2.27.  Trousers, 
11.26.  Hats,  canvas,  40  cents.  Helmets,  cork,  $1.38. 
Summer  clothing,  sack  coats,  |1.14;  trousers,  $1.07. 

When  troops  are  in  the  field^  during  extremely 
warm  weather  and  the  officers  and  enlisted  men  do  not 
wear  their  blouses  on  drill,  the  chevrons  may  be  worn 
on  the  sleeve  of  the  blue  shirts  and  the  ordinary  insig- 
nia of  rank  on  the  collars  of  the  blue  shirts  by  com- 
missioned officers. 

Shoulder-straps  for  chaplain,^  dark  blue  cloth,  with 
a  plain  Latin  cross^  of  silver  in  the  center. 

Acting  assistant  surgeons^  will  be  permitted  to 
wear  the  uniform  of  an  assistant  surgeon,  with  the 
rank  of  first  lieutenant,  the  shoulder-straps  to  be  in 
silver  instead  of  gold. 


IG.  O.  39,  1898. 

2G.  O.  88,  1898. 

3Cir.  26,  1898. 

4G.  O.  59,  1898. 

5Cir.  22,  1898. 

GG.  O.  127  and  Cir.  25,  1898. 


90  Customs  of  the  Service, 

Chevrons  :i  company  quartermaster  sergeant,  in- 
fantry, cavalry,  and  light  artillery,  three  bars  and  a 
tie  of  one  bar;  corporal  Signal  Corps,  two  bars;  first- 
class  private,  crossed  flags;  veterinary  sergeant,  bat- 
tery field  artillery,  three  bars  and  a  horseshoe. 

Recruits^  will  not  be  required  to^  draw  full-dre^s 
uniforms,  as  during  the  war  now  existing  field  or  un- 
dress uniforms  only  are  worn  by  the  enlisted  men  in 
the  field. 

Issue  of  full-dress  uniforms  to  Hospital  Corps^  dis- 
continued, and  an  equivalent  allowance  in  money  valus 
of  white  cotton  duck  clothing,  and  to  those  entitled  to 
wear  them  will  be  issued,  free  of  charge,  two  pairs  of 
service  chevrons  per  annum. 

With  care,  and  keeping  articles  cleanly  and  in 
repair,  the  allowance  is  ample,  and  generally  the  best- 
dressed  soldier  is  not  under  the  necessity  of  drawing 
his  full  allowance;  he  then  receives  credit  therefor  and 
payment  in  money  at  expiration  of  enlistment  for  such 
balance.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  he  draws  more  than 
his  allowance,  it  is  charged  against  his  pay  on  settle- 
ment at  the  payment  for  June  or  December  following. 
Soldiers  are  not  permitted  to  sell  or  barter  any  article 
of  clothing  issued  while  in  service.  Clothing  is  re- 
quired for  on  a  clothing  schedule  by  the  company  com- 


IG.  O.  106,  1898. 
2Cir.  28,  1898. 
3G.  O.  62,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  9 1 

mander,  and,  after  approval  by  the  commanding  offi- 
cer, issued  by  the  quartermaster,  charged  at  the  com- 
pany on  the  company  clothing  book,  receipted  for  by 
the  soldier,  and  also  entered  in  the  soldier's  ^^hand- 
book''  for  his  information  and  guidance.  This  little 
book  can  be  obtained  from  the  adjutant  general's  office 
on  requisition  by  the  company  commander;  it  also  con- 
tains instructive  advice  to  the  soldier. 

Mattresses,  knapsacks,  sheets,  pillow-cases,  accou- 
trements, and  saddle  equipments  are  issued  for  use, 
marked  with  the  number  of  company  and  regiment, 
and  charged  if  lost.  The  arms  are  not  so  marked,  but 
the  ordnance  stamped  number  is  recorded  in  the  prop- 
erty book,  opposite  the  name  of  the  soldier  to  whom 
issued. 

Inexperienced  officers  who  permit  property  to  go 
from  them,  beyond  their  immediate  control  and  super- 
vision, without  the  protection  of  taking  receipts,  little 
realize  the  difficulties  which  will  beset  and  harass  them 
at  close  of  the  war,  when,  if  mustered  out  of  the  ser- 
vice, the  Treasury  Department  requires  that  every  ar- 
ticle, the  smallest  as  the  largest,  shall  be  accounted 
for,  for  which  they  have  ever  given  a  receipt,  and  final 
payment  will  not  be  made  until  the  Department  is 
fully  satisfied  as  to  these  requirements;  but,  regardless 
of  this,  and  though  discharge  from  the  service  is  not 
contemplated,  never  let  a  thing  go  beyond  your  control 
for  which  you  are  accountable  unless  you  are  secured 


92  Customs  of  the  Service, 

by  a  receipt  in  some  form,  memorandum  or  otherwise; 
this  is  purely  business,  and  before  receipting  for  prop- 
erty, see  and  verify  by  counting  or  measurement  all 
articles;  this  is  no  reflection  upon  the  uprightness  of 
any  other  person,  but  mistakes  may  occur  and  short- 
age be  entirely  unintentional.  It  will  be  understood 
that  the  articles  issued  the  men  for  use  and  return  are 
simply  charged  on  your  company  books.  Keep  some 
sort  of  record  of  all  stores  received  and  issued,  with 
names,  etc.,  for  future  reference.  Articles  will  get  lost 
or  damaged;  note  at  the  time  circumstances  and  wit- 
nesses, and,  as  soon  as  possible,  ask  for  a  board  of  sur- 
vey, to  investigate  and  report  on  the  case. 

^In  cases  where  clothing  has  been  issued  by  the 
State  authorities,  note  on  Final  Settlement,  "In  the 

settlement  of for  clothing  is  included  the 

sum  of  $. . . .,  the  total  value  of  articles  issued  him  by 
the  State."  If  none  issued  by  the  State,  note  the  fact. 


IGir.  31,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service, 


93 


ALLOWANCE  OF  CLOTHING  IN  KIND, 

(The  aggregate  cost  of  same  constituting  the  annual  monfey  allowance  of 

the  enlisted  men.) 


ARTICLES. 


Blankets,  woolen No.  • 

Blouses No . . 

Boots  for  mounted  troops pairs . . 

Caps,  forage,  and  trimmings No-  • 

Chevrons,  cloth pairs  •  • 

Chevrons,  gold  lace pairs . . 

Coats,  canvas  fatigue No-- 

Coats,  uniform  dress No •  • 

Collars,  linen No •  • 

Drawers pairs.- 

Gauntlets,  leather pairs . . 

Gloves,  Berlin,  for  foot  troops pairs. . 

Gloves,  Berlin,  for  mounted  troops, 

pairs . . 

Hats,  campaign No . . 

Helmets  and  trimmings,  complete-  -No  • 
Overalls   for  engineers  and  mounted 

troops pairs . . 

Overcoats No.. 

Shirts,  dark-blue  flannel No . . 

Shirts,  wool-knit  under No.. 

Shoes,  barrack pairs. . 

Shoes,  calfskin,  for  foot  troops. . .  pairs. . 
Shoes,  calfskin,  for  mounted  troops, 

pairs.. 
Stable  frocks  for  mounted  troops. . . No. . 

Stockings,  cotton. pairs . . 

Stockings,  woolen pairs.. 

Suspenders pairs . . 

Trousers,  canvas  fatigue pairs . . 

Trousers,  kersey pairs . . 

Trousers  stripes pairs , . 

Band  Musicians  authorized  by  law  are 
'  entitled  to  mounted  helmets,  and  in 
addition  to  the  foregoing  to  the  fol- 
lowing articles : 

Aiguillette  and  shoulder  knots No. . 

Music  pouch No.. 

Trousers,  white pairs.. 


YEAR. 


First. 


1st 

6 

Mos. 


2d 

6 

Mos. 


12 


94 


Customs  of  the  Service, 


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Customs  of  the  Service,  95 


MILITARY  INSTRUCTION. 

Drill  is  the  means  to  discipline  and  quite  as  much 
for  discipline  as  for  maneuvers  in  battle;  it  trains  the 
mind  and  body  to  sharp  obedience,  attention,  and  alert- 
ness, and  according  to  the  methods  and  earnestness  of 
instruction,  so  will  be  the  results  attained;  for  exam- 
ple, in  teaching  the  manual  of  arms  explain  slowly  and 
clearly,  illustrating  each  part  of  each  movement,  apply- 
ing the  words  of  explanation  given  in  the  book  (the 
different  instructors  will  then  have  explained  the  same 
thing  in  the  same  way),  and  from  the  start  give  the 
commands  in  a  firm,  sharp  tone  of  voice;  insist  upon 
this  also  for  the  non-commissioned  officers.  Precisely 
as  the  command  is  given,  so  will  the  movement  be  exe- 
cuted; if  in  a  conversational  way  or  languidly,  the  man- 
ual will  be  ragged,  unsatisfactory,  and  hands  will  be 
allowed  to  fall,  instead  of  being  dropped  in  a  sharp 
military  manner.  Hands  must  not  be  raised  to  the  face 
or  to  adjust  uniform  when  at  attention,  nor  expectora- 
tion then  permitted;  rests  are  needed  and  should  be 
afforded;  brief  rests  repeated  are  better  than  a  long 
one.  Have  them  often  go  through  the  manual  of  arms, 
each  man  counting  the  numbers  aloud; follow  the  book; 
if  the  book  says,  "Lower  the  piece  gently  to  the  ground 
in  'order  armsV'  don't  bring  it  down  with  a  bang  for 


96  Customs  of  the  Service, 

the  effective  noise;  it  is  not  "in  the  book/'  and  loosens 
the  screws  and  mechanism. 

Rapid-fire  guns  and  arms  of  precision  have  done 
away  with  mass  columns  in  battle  formations.  Ex- 
tended order  is  the  rule,  heavy  lines,  "swarms  of  skir- 
mishers," and  supports  for  reinforcing  and  thickening 
the  firing-lines. 

What  is  commonly  called  "loose  order"  requires 
discipline  the  most  strict.  Drill  Eegulations,  par.  503, 
requires  that  this  instruction  on  account  of  its  impor- 
tance will  be  given  as  soon  as  the  recruits  have  had  a 
few  drills  in  close  order;  this  training  at  the  very  com- 
mencement of  service  is  of  great  importance,  that  it 
be  learned  the  "loose  order"  means  not  loose  discipline. 
As  against  a  well-led,  well-fed,  well -officered,  and  de- 
termined enemy,  blind  elan  won't  do,  always.  "The 
expression  ^loose  order^  has  been  often  employed  to 
describe  the  mode  of  attack,  but  the  expression  is  an 
inaccurate  one.  The  attack  is  not  loose,  which  rather 
means  a  careless,  haphazard  action,  but  it  is  the  in- 
dividual  action  of  the  soldier  fighting   in   extended 

lines The  word  ^loose'  is  one  that  has  a 

very  dangerous  application;  its  use  should  be  carefully 

avoided Further,  the  word  ^loose'  gives  an 

impression  to  young  officers  that  any  kind  x)r  descrip- 
tion of  drill  is  good  enough,  and  that  neither  thought, 
care,  nor  study  are  required.  Now,  the  moment  when 
troops  are  hotly  engaged,  and  suffering  much  from  fire, 


Customs  of  the  Service.  97 

is  the  very  time  that  looseness,  or  anything  like  irregu- 
larity, must  be  as  much  as  possible  avoided;  then  is  the 
time  that  discipline  and  training  enable  men  to  obey 
and  follow  their  leaders."    (Home's  Precis.) 

Squad  leaders  should  cultivate  the  habit  of  observ- 
ing the  ground,  to  take  advantage  of  the  smallest  acci- 
dents of  the  terrain;  to  gain  cover  or  other  advantage; 
they  must  control  and  direct  the  fire,  correct  the  little 
unsteadinesses  which  will  arise,  see  that  connection 
with  adjoining  squads  is  not  lost,  and,  if  a  retreat 
becomes  absolutely  essential,  let  it  be  done  orderly  and 
retire  firing.  The  old  rule  is  a  good  one,  '^Don't  go 
away;  then  the  enemy  will  go  away." 

On  going  into  action, the  men  should  not  be  tangled 
up  with  any  impedimenta,  as  blankets,  extra  clothing, 
rations;  such  articles  will  always  be  discarded  sooner 
or  later;  it  is  therefore  far  better,  when  fighting  draws 
near,  to  pile  these  sort  of  things  in  one  heap  and  leave 
a  sentinel  or  perhaps  two  sentinels  to  guard  them ;  the 
duty  is  not  desirable,  but  necessary  fcr  the  benefit  of 
the  whole;  it  may  be,  and  probably  will,  that  close  of 
the  day's  work  finds  the  troops  far  away,  eventually 
to  be  comforted  in  recovering  their  property,  otherwise 
lost  if  hasty  and  individual  throwing  away  were  per- 
mitted. Every  man  in  the  fighting-line  is  all  right,  but 
if  in  the  next  fight  half  of  your  men  are  disabled  from 
disease  caused  by  exposure  and  lack  of  blankets  and 


98  Customs  of  the  Service, 

rations  which  might  have  been  obviated  or  at  least 
lessened,  there  won't  be  every  man  in  the  fighting-line. 
The  knapsack  has  not  yet  been ,  discovered  which 
will  remove  its  weight  wholly;  practically  no  soldier 
carries  his  knapsack  on  his  back  on  campaign;  the 
system  usually  adopted  is  the  "blanket-roll"  of  th^^ 
woolen  blanket,  within  which  is  rolled  a  rubber  poncho, 
extra  pair  of  socks,  soap,  and  towel;  man  needs  no 
more. 


TROOPS  IN  CAMPAIGN. 

Nothing  new,  and  no  orders  more  explicit  or  more 
clear,  can  be  given  or  are  required,  than  will  be  found 
in  "Troops  in  Campaign,"  published  by  the  War 
Department,  1892,  and  in  which  "The  President  of  the 

United  States  directs  that  the regulations 

for  troops  in  campaign  be  published  for  the  govern- 
ment of  all  concerned,  and  that  they  be  strictly 
observed."  But  of  what  avail  are  such  regulations  if 
they  are  disregarded,  even  disobeyed?  The  inspection 
alone  of  transports,  if  followed  as  herein  directed^ 
would  have  ofttimes  saved  harsh  criticisms  in  trans- 
porting troops  and  supplies — in  any  army,  in  any  clime. 
Observance  will  save  life,  health,  property,  and  also 
conserve  the  temper.  A  few  of  the  leading  require- 
ments, taken  principally  from  "Troops  in  Campaign," 


Customs  of  the  Service,  99 

are  here  incorporated.     The  book  is  small,  but  is  so 
important. 

The  functions  of  a  chief  of  staff  are:  to  transmit 
the  orders  of  the  commanding  general  and  to  attend  to 
the  execution  of  orders  directing  movements  and  other 
necessary  labors,  as  the  construction  of  works  and  lines 
of  defense;  the  opening  and  repair  of  roads  and  com- 
munications; the  construction  of  bridges  and  the  es- 
tablishment of  camps  and  posts;  to  see  that  directed 
reconnaissances  are  properly  made,  and  that  all  the 
branches  of  the  service  are  efficiently  conducted.  He 
will  be  assisted  in  the  performance  of  these  duties  by 
as  many  officers  of  the  Adjutant-GeneraPs  Department 
as  may  be  necessary. 

The  train  of  each  regiment  will  be  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  regimental  quartermaster.  When  the  sev- 
eral trains  of  a  division,  corps,  or  army  are  united,  the 
senior  officer  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  pres 
ent  shall  have  charge  of  the  whole. 

Each  quartermaster,  with  his  assistants,  must  be 
with  the  train.  He  will  require  it  to  take  and  keep  its 
appropriate  place  in  the  column,  and  will  see  that  his 
wagons  do  not  check  the  march  of  the  troops  or  move- 
ments of  trains  in  the  rear. 

None  but  authorized  wagons  are  allowed  to  move 
with  the  train.  Those  of  the  several  headquarters,  the 
regimental  wagons,  and  those  of  traders  will  be  con- 
spicuously marked. 


100  Customs  of  the  Service, 

In  every  case  where  practicable,  generals  who 
have  headquarter  guards  will  detach  sentinels  there- 
from to  protect  their  baggage  during  the  night,  rather 
than  cause  a  distinct  detail  to  be  made  for  the  purpose. 

The  time  and  period  for  the  issue  of  rations  will 
depend  on  circumstances,  and  will  be  regulated  in 
orders.  When  a  command  is  not  moving,  they  will  be 
made  for  the  period  of  three  or  four  days.  Issues  to  the 
companies  of  a  regiment  will  be  superintended  by  an 
officer  detailed  for  that  purpose. 

All  property,  public  or  private,  lawfully  taken 
from  the  enemy,  or  from  the  inhabitants  of  an  enemy's 
country,  by  the  forces  of  the  United  States,  instantly 
becomes  the  public  property  of  the  United  States,  and 
must  be  accounted  for  as  such.  Property  captured,  or 
taken  by  way  of  requisition,  belongs  to  the  United 
States,  and  can  not,  under  any  circumstances,  be  appro- 
priated to  individual  benefit. 

OJBficers  will  be  held  strictly  responsible  that  all 
property  taken  from  alleged  enemies  by'  them,  or  with 
their  authority,  is  inventoried  and  duly  accounted  for. 
If  the  property  taken  can  be  claimed  as  private, 
receipts  must  be  given  to  the  claimants  or  their  agents, 
and  it  must  be  accounted  for  in  the  same  manner  as 
public  property. 

When  a  foraging  party  is  sent  out  for  provisions 
or  other  stores,  the  commanding  officer  will  be  held 


Customs  of  the  Service,  101 

accountable  for  the  conduct  of  his  command,  and  that 
a  true  report  is  made  of  all  property  taken. 

No  officer  or  soldier  shall,  without  authority,  leave 
his  colors  or  ranks  to  pillage,  or  enter  a  private  house 
for  that  purpose.  All  such  acts  are  punishable  with 
death,  and  any  officer  who  shall  permit  them  will  be 
held  equally  guilty  with  the  actual  pillager. 

It  is  forbidden  to  purchase  horses  without  ascer- 
taining the  right  of  the  party  to  sell.  Stolen  horses 
shall  be  restored.  Estrays  in  the  enemy's  country, 
when  the  owners  are  not  discovered,  will  be  taken  for 
the  Army. 

Neither  officers  nor  soldiers  are  allowed  to  make 
use  of  their  positions  or  power  in  the  enemy's  country 
for  private  gain,  even  for  commercial  transactions 
otherwise  legitimate.  Offenses  to  the  contrary,  com- 
mitted by  commissioned  officers,  will  be  punished  with 
cashiering  or  such  other  punishments  as  the  nature  of 
the  offense  may  require;  if  by  soldiers,  they  shall  be 
punished  according  to  the  nature  of  the  offense. 

A  victorious  army  appropriates  all  public  money, 
seizes  all  public  movable  property;  private  property 
can  be  seized  only  by  way  of  military  necessity,  for  the 
support  or  other  benefit  of  the  Army  of  the  United 
States.  All  captures  and  booty  belong,  primarily,  to 
the  Government  of  the  captor.  Money,  jewelry,  and 
extra  clothing  on  the  person  of  a  prisoner  are  regarded 
by  the  American  Army  as  the  private  property  of  the 


102  Customs  of  the  Service, 

prisoner;  if  large  sums  of  money  are  found,  they  may 
be  appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  Array  of  the  United 
States  and  for  its  support.    (Lieber.) 

Prizes  in  the  Navy  are,  after  adjudication  by  the 
courts,  given  to  the  captors.  This  procedure  seems  to 
have  had  its  origin  in  a  letter  to  Robert  Morris,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Marine  Committee  of  Congress,  written  by 
Paul  Jones,  in  which  he  suggests  that  all  the  profits 
from  prizes  by  naval  vessels  should  be  given  to  the 
crews;  and  he  further  says,  ^^We  enlist  men,  but  the 
privateers  entice  them  away."  (Captain  Mahan,  in 
Scribner^s  Magazine.) 

The  principle  being  recognized  that  the  medical 
officers,  stewards,  nurses,  attendants,  and  chaplains 
should  not  be  held  as  prisoners  of  war,  they  will  be 
immediately  and  unconditionally  discharged,  unless  the 
enemy  has  previously  failed  to  take  like  action  in  like 
cases. 

Every  prisoner  of  war  will  be  treated  with  the  con- 
sideration due  his  rank.  He  is  required  to  obey  the 
necessary  orders  given  him,  and  upon  being  duly  inter- 
rogated, is  required  to  disclose  his  name,  rank,  and 
designation  in  the  military  service. 

Prisoners  of  war  are  subject  to  such  confinement 
or  restraint  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  but  they  are 
to  be  subjected  to  no  other  intentional  suffering  or 
indignity.  The  confinement  of  a  prisoner  may  be  varied 


Customs  of  the  Service.  103 

during  his   captivity,   according   to  the   demands   of 
safety. 

A  prisoner  of  wap,  while  attempting  to  escape,  may 
be  shot;  but  if  recaptured,  neither  death  nor  any  other 
punishment  shall  be  inflicted  upon  him  simply  for  his 
attempt  to  escape,  which  the  laws  of  war  do  not  con- 
sider a  crime.  More  rigorous  methods  of  confinement 
may  be  resorted  to  after  an  unsuccessful  attempt. 

On  the  march,  as  tending  to  prevention  of  escape 
of  prisoners,  all  buttons,  straps,  or  other  fastenings 
are  cut  off  and  taken  from  them;  running  away  will 
not  be  facilitated  or  comfortable  if  a  prisoner  has  to 
hold  up  all  of  his  garments. 

The  parole  is  a  promise,  given  by  an  individual 
of  the  enemy,  by  which,  in  consideration  of  certain 
privileges  or  advantages,  he  pledges  his  honor  to  do, 
or  refrain  from  doing,  certain  acts.  The  pledge  of  the 
parole  is  an  individual  but  not  a  private  act. 

No  paroling  on  the  battie-fiald,  no  paroling  of  en- 
tire bodies  of  troops  after  a  battle,  and  no  dismissal  of 
large  numbers  of  prisoners  with  a  general  declaration 
that  they  are  paroled,  is  permitted.  In  capitulations 
for  the  surrender  of  fortified  places,  the  commanding 
officer  may,  in  case  of  urgent  necessity,  agree  that  the 
troops  under  his  command  shall  not  fight  again  during 
the  war,  unless  exchanged. 

When  paroles  are  given  and  received,  there  must 
be  an  exchange  of  two  written  documents,  in  each  of 
which  the  conditions  of  the  parole  and  the  name  and 


104  Customs  of  the  Service. 

rank  of  the  paroled  individual  are  accurately  and  truth- 
fully stated. 

Commissioned  ofiScers  only  are  allowed  to  give 
their  paroles;  and  they  can  give  them  only  with  the 
permission  of  their  superiors,  so  long  as  a  superior  in 
rank  is  within  reach. 

An  enlisted  man  can  not  give  his  parole  except 
through  an  officer.  Paroles  not  given  through  an  offi- 
cer are  void,  and  subject  the  individuals  giving  them 
to  punishment. 

MOVEMENTS  BY  RAIL. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
to  make  suitable  arrangements  for  transportation  of 
the  command. 

As  soon  as  the  transportation  is  provided,  it  will 
be  carefully  inspected,  by  the  commanding  officer,  to 
see  that  the  cars  are  in  proper  condition,  and  suffi- 
ciently supplied  with  fuel  and  water. 

In  the  transportation  of  organized  commands,  the 
following  regulations  will  be  observed:  The  cars  will 
be  assigned  to  the  several  companies  by  the  command- 
ing officer,  who  will  cause  to  be  marked,  with  chalk,  on 
the  steps  of  each  passenger  car,  and  on  the  side  of  each 
freight  or  stock  car,  the  designation  of  the  company  or 
detachment  to  which  it  is  assigned.  Freight  cars  car- 
rying supplies  should  have  conspicuously  painted  signs, 
noting  in  general  their  contents. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  105 

The  field  baggage  will  be  loaded  by  details  from 
the  several  companies,  under  the  direction  of  the  quar- 
termaster of  the  detachment  or  command.  The  rations, 
forage,  and  a  sufficient  number  of  buckets  to  water 
the  animals  of  each  company  will  be  so  loaded  as  to  be 
readily  accessible.  Artillery  carriages,  army  wagons, 
and  other  vehicles  will  be  transported  on  platform 
cars,  and  will  be  lashed,  if  need  be,  to  keep  them  in 
place. 

After  the  field  baggage  and  animals  have  been 
loaded,  the  companies  will  be  formed  each  one  opposite 
the  car  or  cars  it  is  to  occupy,  and  will  enter  the  same 
under  the  direction  of  its  company  officers,  retaining 
possession  of  its  arms.  During  halts,  the  cars  will,  if 
practicable,  be  thoroughly  policed  and  water  and  fuel 
placed  on  board. 

Make  it  obligatory  that,  at  least  once  in  each 
twenty-four  hours  of  railroad  travel,  all  the  men  should 
leave  the  cars,  taking  with  them  all  equipments, 
blankets,  etc.;  form  company  near  their  car,  arms  then 
stacked,  and  the  railroad  authorities  required  to  thor- 
oughly clean  the  cars,  ventilating  them,  etc.;  especially 
observe  that  the  spittoons  are  cleansed;  tanks  filled 
with  ice  water  (fuel  in  boxes  when  necessary);  then 
reembark. 

Coffee  is  obtained  on  request  to  railroad  conductor 
to  wire  at  intended  meal-stop  stations,  for  number  of 
pints  required,  one  pint  per  person,  at  7  cents  per 

-8— 


106  Customs  of  the  Service. 

pint,  including  milk  and  sugar.  As  21  cents  per  day  is 
authorized  per  man,  it  may  be  found  best  to  have  coffee 
only  twice  each  day,  or  a  pint  and  a  half  at  each  of 
two  stops. 

The  men  may  well  be  permitted  to  leave  the  cars 
at  stops,  remaining  strictly  near  the  cars,  unless  this 
privilege  be  abused;  then  discipline. 

MOVEMENTS  BY  WATER. 

Military  commanders  charged  with  the  embark- 
ation of  troops,  and  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  entrusted  with  the  selection  of  transports, 
will  see  that  the  vessels  employed  are  entirely  sea- 
worthy and  proper  for  such  service,  and  that  suitable 
arrangements  are  made  in  them  for  health  and  comfort 
of  the  troops. 

If,  in  the  opinion  of  the  officer  commanding  the 
troops  to  be  embarked,  the  vessel  is  not  proper  or  suit- 
ably arranged,  the  officer  charged  with  the  embarka- 
tion shall  cause  her  to  be  inspected  by  competent  and 
experienced  persons. 

In  inspecting  water  transportation  for  troops,  the 
inspector  must  be  governed  by  circumstances  and 
necessities,  but  not  to  the  extent  of  endangering  life. 
Ordinarily,  and  especially  in  voyages  of  any  length,  ves- 
sels which  would  furnish  reasonable  comfort  to  pas- 
sengers must  be  provided.    If  there  be  anything  to  indi- 


Customs  of  the  Service.  lOT 

cate  necessity  for  a  critical  inspection,  the  services  of 
an  expert  will  be  employed. 

The  inspector  will  call  for  the  written  contract,  if 
there  be  one,  and  see  that  its  stipulations  are  complied 
with.  He  will  report  whether  the  vessel  is  adapted  to 
the  purpose  and  voyage  designed,  or  in  what  particular, 
if  any,  she  may  be  defective,  and  whether  any  repairs 
or  alterations  are  necessary  before  sailing. 

The  inspector  will  ascertain  how  the  vessel  is 
rated  at  the  underwriters',  the  apparent  age  of  the  hull 
and  machinery,  and  their  existing  condition.  He  will 
inquire  when  the  vessel  was  last  in  dock,  the  condition 
of  the  engines  and  boilers,  and  ascertain  when  they 
were  put  in.  He  will  examine  whether  the  pumping 
machinery,  outfit  of  tackle,  spare  spars,  etc.,  are  suffi- 
cient; whether  there  is  an  ample  provision  of  boats, 
life-buoys,  and  spare  parts  of  machinery,  and  whether 
there  is  sufficient  deck  room  for  quarters  for  officers 
and  enlisted  men,  and  will  see  that  the  limit  of  tonnage 
and  passengers  prescribed  by  law  is  not  exceeded.  He 
will  see  that  the  vessel's  crew  is  large  enough  for  her 
proper  working,  and  inquire  into  the  competency  of 
the  officers;  he  will  see  that  the  proper  instruments  of 
navigation,  compasses,  etc.,  are  provided.  He  will  re- 
port if  the  chronometers  have  been  rated,  and  if  there 
is  a  supply  of  charts.  The  distilling  apparatus,  water 
tanks,  and  butts  will  be  examined  to  see  if  there  is 
sufficient  water  for  passengers  and  crew.    He  will  espe- 


108  Customs  of  the  Service, 

cially  inspect  the  cooking  arrangements,  see  that  the 
vessel  is  clean,  and  that  the  portion  occupied  by  troops 
is  dry  and  well  ventilated. 

To  secure  and  preserve  discipline,  provide  against 
disaster  from  the  elements,  or  attack  by  the  enemy,  the 
senior  officer  in  the  military  service  present  upon  any 
transport  will  assume  command  of  the  troops  (unless 
he  finds,  on  going  on  board,  a  commander  already  desig- 
nated by  proper  authority),  and  he  will  take  all  neces- 
sary measures  to  put  his  command  into  the  best  state 
of  efficiency  to  meet  any  emergency,  and  will  enforce 
an  observance  of  the  requirements  of  the  following 
paragraphs : 

At  the  earliest  moment  after  the  embarkation,  the 
troops  will  be  inspected,  organized  into  detachments  or 
companies,  officers  and  quarters  being  assigned  to  each 
organization.  So  far  as  practicable,  the  men  of  each 
company  will  be  assigned  to  the  same  part  of  the  ves- 
sel, and  squads  to  contiguous  berths. 

No  officer  will  quit  the  ship  without  the  permis- 
sion of  the  officer  commanding  on  board.  At  sea,  the 
guards  will  mount  with  side  arms  only.  Sentinels  will 
be  kept  near  the  fires,  with  buckets  of  water  at  hand. 
Smoking  not  allowed  between  decks.  All  the  troops 
will  turn  out  for  inspection  at  a  prescribed  hour  in 
the  morning,  without  arms  (in  warm  weather,  without 
shoes  or  stockings),  when  every  individual  will  be  clean 
— hands,  face,  and  feet  washed  and  his  hair  combed. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  109 

The  same  personal  inspection  will  be  repeated  thirty 
minutes  before  sunset.  The  cooks  may  be  exempted 
from  one  of  these  daily  inspections,  if  necessary.  Offi- 
cers will  enforce  cleanliness.  The  weather  permitting, 
bedding  will  be  brought  on  deck  every  morning  for 
airing. 

Between  decks  will  not  be  washed  oftener  than 
once  a  week,  and  only  when  the  weather  is  fine.  The 
boards  of  the  lower  berth  will  be  removed  once  or 
twice  a  week  to  remove  the  straw.  Under  the  direction 
of  the  surgeon  and  the  officer  of  the  day,  frequent  fumi- 
gations will  be  performed  between  decks. 

During  voyages  in  hot  weather,  the  master  of  the 
vessel  will  be  required  to  provide  wind-sails,  which  will 
be  constantly  hung  up,  and  frequently  examined,  to 
see  that  they  draw  well  and  are  not  obstructed. 

During  cooking  hours,  officers  of  companies  visit 
the  galley,  and  see  that  the  food  is  properly  prepared. 
The  coppers  and  other  cooking  utensils  will  be  regu- 
larly washed,  both  before  and  after  use,  and  frequently 
scoured. 

The  bedding  will  be  replaced  in  the  berths  at 
sunset,  or  at  an  earlier  hour  when  there  is  prospect  of 
bad  weather.  At  Taps  every  man  on  duty  will  be  in 
his  berth.  To  insure  the  execution  of  this  regulation, 
the  officer  of  the  day  will  inspect  between  decks. 

Lights  will  be  extinguished  at  Taps,  except  such 
as  are  placed  under  sentinels.    The  officer  of  the  day 


no  Customs  of  the  Service. 

will  attend  to  thi^  requirement,  and  report  to  the  com- 
manding officer.  Officers'  lights  will  be  extinguished 
at  10  o'clock,  unless  special  permission  be  given  to  con- 
tinue  them  for  a  longer  time. 

For  the  sake  of  exercise,  the  troops  will  occasion- 
ally be  called  to  quarters  by  the  call  To  Aims.  Those 
appointed  to  the  guns  will  be  frequently  exercised  in 
their  use.  The  arms  and  accoutrements  will  be  fre- 
quently inspected.  The  metallic  parts  of  the  former 
will  be  often  wiped  and  oiled. 

The  men  will  not  be  allowed  to  sleep  on  deck  in 
the  sun.  They  will  be  encouraged,  and  required,  to  take 
exercise  on  deck  in  squads,  in  succession  when  neces- 
sary. If  practicable,  exercise  in  double  time  by  the 
companies — around  the  vessel,  on  deck,  fore  and  aft — 
will  be  found  of  great  benefit.  Recruits,  and  all  en- 
listed men  requiring  it,  will  be  freqneutly  drilled  in 
the  setting-up  exercises.  At  morning  and  evening 
parades  the  surgeon  will  examine  the  men,  to  obsrve 
whether  they  exhibit  any  indications  of  disease.  A 
good  supply  of  hospital  stores  and  medicines  will  be 
taken  on  board  each  vessel,  and  used  only  for  the  sick 
and  convalescent  The  surgeon  will  warn  the  men 
against  costiveness  on  approaching  a  hot  climate. 
In  passing  the  West  Indies  to  the  southern  coast,  for 
instance,  and  for  some  weeks  after  landing  in  th:it 
latitude,  great  care  is  required  in  the  use  of  fruit,  as 
strangers  are  not  competent  to  judge  of  its  effects,  and 


Customs  of  the  Service,  111 

most  kinds  after  long  voyages  are  injurious.  Stores 
and  supplies  should  be  placed  on  board  so  that  they 
may  be  readily  reached  in  the  order  in  which  they  may 
be  required. 

Every  storeship  should  be  marked  at  the  bow  and 
stern  and  on  both  sides  in  large  characters,  with  a 
distinctive  letter  and  number.  A  list  of  the  stores  on 
each  vessel,  with  the  place  they  are  to  be  found,  should 
be  prepared  and  a  copy  sent  to  the  chief  officer  of  the 
proper  department,  whether  he  accompanies  the  expe- 
dition or  is  at  the  place  for  which  the  stores  are 
destined. 

When  officers  of  the  Army  are  embarked  with 
troops  in  a  ship  in  charge  of  officers  of  the  Navy,  the 
latter  will  occupy  the  apartments  allotted  to  them,  and 
separate  accommodation  will  be  provided  for  officers 
of  the  Army  and  those  under  their  command.  The  offi- 
cers of  the  Army  will  mess  together,  and  not  with  the 
officers  of  the  Navy,  unless  otherwise  agreed  upon  with 
the  sanction  of  the  commanding  officers  of  the  vessel 
and  troops. 

BATTLES. 

Before  the  action,  the  generals  indicate  the  places 
where  they  will  be;  if  they  change  position,  they  give 
notice  of  it,  or  leave  a  staff  officer  to  show  where  they 
have  gone. 

During  the  action,  the  officers  and  non-commis- 


112  Customs  of  the  Service. 

sioned  officers  keep  the  men  in  the  ranks  and  enforce 
obedience  if  necessary.  Soldiers  must  not  be  permitted 
to  leave  the  ranks  to  strip  or  rob  the  dead,  nor  even 
to  assist  the  wounded  except  by  express  permission, 
which  is  only  to  be  given  after  the  action  is  decided. 
The  highest  interest  and  most  pressing  duty  is  to  win 
the  victory,  by  winning  which  only  can  a  proper  care 
of  the  wounded  be  insured. 

MARCHES. 

The  first  duty  of  the  commander  is  to  inspect  his 
troops  before  marching,  to  know  that  the  arms  and 
horses  are  in  condition,  cartridges  supplied,  clothing 
and  shoes  in  proper  condition,  blankets  provided,  and 
food  supply  with  cooking  facilities  prearranged  for. 
The  length  of  the  full  step  in  quick  time  is  30  inches, 
and  the  cadence  120  steps  per  minute,  covering  2J  to  3 
miles  an  hour;  the  average  march  for  infantry  is  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  miles  per  day,  beginning  with  short 
marches,  say  ten  or  twelve  miles,  and  gradually  in- 
creasing. When  long  distances  have  to  be  overcome 
rapidly,  occasionally  change  gaits;  special  care  taken 
not  to  exhaust  the  troops  immediately  before  engag- 
ing the  enemy.  Marching  in  double  time,  breathe  as 
much  as  possible  through  the  nose,  keeping  the  mouth 
closed.  After  marching  about  half  an  hour  or  less, 
halt  to  allow  for  adjustment  of  equipments  and  that 
the  men  may  relieve  themselves;  thereafter  halt  after 


Customs  of  the  Service.  11 3 

each  march  of  fifty  minutes,  halting  in  the  vicinity  of 
water  and  shade  if  possible;  if  other  halts  are  caused 
from  head  of  the  column,  encourage  the  men  to  rest, 
rather  than  holding  them  in  ranks,  because  the  stop  is 
uncertain.  Have  all  canteens  filled  with  water  which 
has  been  boiled,  or,  l3etter  yet,  with  weak  tea,  slightly 
sweetened,  before  starting;  on  the  march  drink  as  lit- 
tle as  possible,  taking  only  small  swallows  of  water  at  a 
time;  better  to  drink  only  at  time  of  eating;  don't  drink 
spirits,  and  especially  do  not  before  exertion — they 
only  give  transient  strength;  danger  of  sunstroke  is 
lessened  by  wearing  a  wet  cloth  or  wet  grass  in  your 
hat.  Leaving  the  ranks  on  the  march  to  get  water  or 
on  other  pretexts  is  a  serious  evil,  directly  indicating 
lack  of  discipline,  and  must  be  stopped  in  the  very 
inception;  every  man  reporting  sick  is  at  once  inspected 
by  a  medical  officer,  and,  if  necessary,  allowed  to  ride, 
being  provided  with  a  ticket  to  this  effect;  a  soldier, 
before  going  to  relieve  himself,  leaves  his  arms  with 
his  comrades  until  he  rejoins  them;  they  are  thus  bur- 
dened with  their  carriage  if  his  return  is  not  hastened. 
On  the  march,  no  one  shall  fire  a  gun,  or  give  the  sig- 
nal for  halt  or  march,  unless  ordered  to  do  so.  The  pre 
vent  straggling,  with  all  its  attendant  evils,  command- 
ing officers  of  regiments  require  the  rolls  to  be  called 
and  the  results  reported  to  them,  after  the  troops  are 
formed  for  and  before  recommencing  the  march;  at  the 
halts  the  captain  may  count  the  files,  to  ascertain  if 


114  Customs  of  the  Service. 

there  are  absentees;  the  men  must  keep  their  relative 
places  in  ranks  while  marching,  not  permitted  to  bunch 
up  nor  open  out  distances;  such  want  of  discipline 
makes  the  march  no  easier,  and  it  wouldn't  make  any 
difference  if  it  did.  Discipline  and  order.  Captains 
will  cause  an  officer  to  march  in  rear  of  their  compa- 
nies, with  instructions  not  to  allow  any  man  to  leave 
the  ranks  without  written  authority.  In  route  marches, 
organizations  usually  alternate  in  leading,  the  rear  of 
the  column  having  annoyances  and  more  fatigue,  dust, 
stoppages,  etc.;  if  the  head  be  delayed  by  obstacles, 
their  step  should  then  be  shortened,  so  as  to  avoid 
hurry  in  closing  up  those  in  rear. 

Habitually  the  route  march  is  in  column  of  fours; 
when  the  roads  are  unsuitable  for  this  formation,  the 
column  of  twos  is  permissible.  When  the  day's  march 
is  to  be  prolonged  unusually,  a  halt  should  be  made 
when  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance  has  been  cov- 
ered, and  near  water  if  convenient.  Forced  marches 
and  night  marches  are  at  times  necessary,  but  should 
be  resorted  to  only  when  imperative.  A  trooper  must 
not  be  dismounted  that  an  officer  may  use  his  horse 
(T.  C.  50),  nor  be  employed  to  lead  a  private  horse,  nor 
allow  a  soldier  to  drive  a  private  vehicle.  A  compe- 
tent person,  preferably  a  commissioned  officer,  will  be 
detailed  to  make  field  sketches  and  notes  and  a  jour- 
nal for  the  later  preparation  of  a  map  of  the  route 
traversed. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  115 

In  camping,  tentage  may  be  dispensed  with  en- 
tirely or  shelter  tents  provided  or  bivouac  made  with- 
out tents;  if  not  imposing  hardship,  the  less  impedi- 
menta the  better.  Campaigns  are  most  frequently  won 
by  rapidity  of  movements. 

In  camps  of  duration,  short  practice  marches  are 
profitable,  additional  to  the  regular  drills,  in  teaching 
the  necessity  for  regularity  on  the  march,  and  while 
in  route  step,  and  not  required  to  preserve  silence  nor 
keep  the  stej),  the  ranks  must  cover  and  preserve  their 
distance;  the  tendency  being  to  close  together  and 
crowd  to  the  front.  An  officer  and  non-commissioned 
oflScer  should  on  all  marches  be  designated  to  make 
topographical  sketches. 

If  blanket-rolls  are  worn,  have  them  rolled  uni- 
formly, not  an  irregular  bundle  of  varied  lengths,  with 
the  blanket  extending  below  the  shelter  tent.  It  is 
quite  as  easy  to  require  system  and  military  appear- 
ance in  these  seemingly  minor  matters;  results  will  be 
shown  in  greater  matters. 


1 1 6  Customs  of  the  Service. 


ARMY  SANITATION  AND  CAMPING. 

Recent  sad  events  have  not  developed  anything 
new  or  original  in  sanitation.  The  vital  necessity  of 
enforcing  sanitary  laws  is  known  in  the  Army  from 
long  experience,  the  long  lists  of  casualties  having 
merely  emphasized  their  importance.  Location  of  the 
camping-ground  and  care  of  the  body  internally  a^  d 
externally  are  the  foundation-stones.  Lax  enforcement 
of  sanitary  laws  must  not,  can  not  be  permitted. 

We  commence  with  camping:  our  guides,  safety, 
water,  wood;  health  follows  the  two  latter,  and  next, 
considerations  of  convenience  for  receiving  supplies. 

Troops  will  encampi  in  strictly  military  order, 
ready  at  any  instant  to  form  in  order  of  battle  or  march; 
places  for  each  organization  indicated  and  understood 
before  permitting  arms  to  be  stacked  or  tents  pitched; 
confusion  and  disaster,  especially  at  night  attacks,  are 
otherwise  more  than  likely  to  occur.  On  arrival  at 
place  for  the  night,  the  commander  quickly  reconnoi- 
ters  the  best  points  for  outposts,  and,  before  ranks  are 
broken,  has  the  outposts  details  formed  and  sent  to 
occupy  these  points;  the  advanced  guard  form  the  out- 
posts at  all  halts,  and,  until  relieved  by  the  regular  out- 
posts, hold  these  positions.    If  the  march  is  not  to  be  re- 

IT.  C.  59.. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  117 

sumed  the  next  day,  among  the  first  duties  on  arriving 
in  camp  will  be  the  designation  of  places  to  attend  to 
calls  of  Nature,  to  post  sentinels  over  the  water  supply, 
that  water  be  not  wasted  or  riled,  that  the  water 
near  the  troops  be  guarded  for  their  use,  that  next  be- 
low for  the  animals,  and  further  down  for  washing  pur- 
poses. It  is  much  better  to  dig  a  greater  number  of 
sinks  than  a  few  long  ones,  and  of  suflflcient  depth  to 
admit  of  free  covering  with  dry  earth  every  day.  The 
sinks  must  be  closely  inspected  every  day.  The  sinks 
should  be  100  yards  beyond  the  kitchens,  both  on  ac- 
count of  soil  emanations  and  currents  of  air  and  that 
flies  be  avoided,  which  would  else  carry  disease  germs 
to  the  kitchens.  Have  the  kitchen  set  up  without  delay, 
with  a  pit  convenient  for  liquid  refuse  (it  is  even  better 
to  use  barrels  and  have  them  carried  away  daily,  the 
barrels  always  having  covers);  solid  matter  to  be  car- 
ried to  a  distance  and  burned;  burying  garbage  in  pits 
or  trenches  is  a  temporary  expedient,  but  all  such  stuff 
should  be  taken  to  a  cremator}^  Never  permit  slops  to 
be  thrown  on  the  ground. 

To  return  to  the  selection  of  the  camp-ground,  a 
position  on  the  slope  of  a  hill  is  warmer  than  one  on  the 
summit  or  in  the  valley;  the  ground  should  be  firm,  cer- 
tainly not  marshy  or  near  a  marsh,  no  matter  how  short 
the  camp;  examine  the  subsoil;  is  it  too  hard  to  absorb 
moisture?  is  it  too  rocky  at  shallow  depths  for  sinks? 
will  the  gradient  assist  natural  drainai'e?    Convenient 


118  Customs  of  the  Service. 

proximity  to  water  should  not  be  at  the  sacrifice  of 
military  advantages  and  security.  The  water  supply, 
so  important,  is  it  adequate?  is  it  wholesome?  from 
whence  derived  and  its  characteristics?  if  near  houses, 
how  far  does  it  pass  from  privy  vaults  and  from  cow 
and  horse  stables?  Old  wells  may  sow  the  seeds  of 
typhoid,  and  even  springs  may  be  equally  contami- 
nated by  seepage  from  the  sinks. 

Always  camp  in  the  open,  even  though  it  trench 
on  the  drill-  and  parade-ground;  the  shade  of  the  near- 
by trees  will  be  tempting,  but  the  bright  sunlight  is 
needed  on  the  camp. 

To  pitch  a  wall  tent:  with  the  ridge-pole  lay  off 
a  square;  these  points  indicate  the  corners  of  the  walls, 
to  which  attach  corresponding  loops  of  the  tent;  put 
ridge-pole  in  position  inside  of  tent,  insert  upright 
poles,  and  raise  tent;  the  fly  can  be  put  on  either  after 
or  before  raising;  drive  the  outer  line  of  pins  sloping 
with  the  roof  (hold  better  in  wind).  "A"  or  "common 
wall" :  pitched  on  same  method.  Conickl  wall :  describe 
a  circle  with  the  pole  from  where  it  will  rest,  drive  pins 
on  this  radius  at  24  inches  apart;  attach  loops  of  tent; 
adjust  pole  and  raise.  Hard-wood  mallets  for  driving 
the  wooden  pins  are  better  than  an  axe,  which  breaks 
the  pins;  if  ground  be  very  hard  and  stony,  iron  pins 
are  best. 

The  wagons  should  always  be  parked  in  regular 


Customs  of  the  Service.  119 

order  at  indicated  place,  and  not  permitted  to  be  scat- 
tered about  the  camp. 

Have  tent  walls  raised  for  several  hours  each  fair 
day,  and  tents  taken  down  and  the  ground  scraped  and 
exposed  to  the  sun  once  a  week.  Rigorous  police  of  the 
grounds  insisted  upon;  it  is  just  as  well  to  habituate 
the  men  to  neatness  around  the  grounds  as  in  their 
person.  Before  marching  out  in  abandoning  camp, 
have  all  the  fires,  even  smouldering  embers,  extin- 
guished or  covered  with  earth,  and  so  damage  and 
destruction  of  grass,  timber,  and  fences  be  avoided  (the 
return  march  may  be  over  the  same  ground),  unless,  of 
course,  the  enemy  would  profit  by  this  care. 

After  the  men  are  rested,  a  shallow  ditch  will  be 
opened  around  each  tent  and  connecting  with  a  ditch 
along  the  rows  of  tents;  this  will  ensure  much  comfort. 
For  sleeping,  if  the  bed  or  blankets  be  raised  from  the 
ground,  the  number  of  camp  diseases  will  be  materially 
decreased;  any  contrivance^  is  better  than  to  lie  on  the 
ground  in  malarial  and  tropical  countries;  if  without 
bed-sacks,  for  which  an  allowance  of  thirty  pound^^  of 
straw  per  man  per  month  is  authorized,  use  loose  straw, 
hay,  boughs,  leaves.  New  men  hardly  realize  the  im- 
portance of  these  matters  in  conserving  health,  and  the 
captain  will  not  be  at  ease  until  he  has  seen  to  this. 

OflScers'  camp  cots  as  sold  are  generally  made  sacri- 
ficing strength  to  lightness.    The  most  serviceable,  and 

lA.  R.  1048. 


120  Customs  of  the  Service. 

used  by  the  writer  on  many  campaigns,  is  constructed 
of  hard  wood  as  indicated:     Two  end  pieces,  33x2x2 

(1 1) 

Closed.  Open. 

a  End-piece,    b  Iron  loops  on  ends,    c  Legs,    d  Hooks  to  hold  in  place. 

inches  (iron  band  extended  to  form  a  loop — 3  inches  at 
each  end),  with  legs  18  inches  high,  to  fold  under  on 
strap  hinges.  Two  side  poles,  any  desired  length,  the 
ends  to  fit  easily  in  the  loops  on  end  pieces;  strap 
hinge  joint  in  middle  of  each  to  facilitate  rolling  up  in 
the  bedding;  a  piece  of  strong  canvas  with  wide  seam 
on  each  side  to  receive  these  poles,  and  there  is  a  com- 
plete unbreakable  camp  bed.  A  light  hair  or  wool  mat- 
ti^ss  is  a  great  addition  to  comfort. 

Never  go  to  sleep  without  some  covering.  Never  lie 
or  sit  down  on  the  bare  earth  or  grass ;  the  more  weary 
the  more  easily  are  colds  contracted,  and  a  mere  cold 
may  be  the  beginning  of  a  fever.  Do  not  indulge  in 
fruit,  especially  new  kinds;  a  very  moderate  indulgence 
in  ripe  fruit  may  do  no  harm,  but  eat  guardedly.  Don't 
eat  bananas;  the  sea  voyage  for  this  fruit  seems  to 
be  necessary  to  insure  wholesomeness  to  people  not 
natives  of  the  country.  Oranges  and  lemons  are  safe, 
but  don't  experiment  on  your  stomach  with  new  and 
unknown  tropical  fruits.  Avoid  excessive  drinking 
of  water  when  coming  in  overheated  from  the  drill- 


Customs  of  the  Service.  121 

ground;  don't  cool  off  too  suddenly.  When  possible, 
take  a  plunge  in  the  water  every  morning,  or  wash  the 
body  all  over. 

Gymnastics  are  good  things,  but  should  be  used 
with  discretion.  The  gymnast  need  not  dislocate  his 
limbs  nor  practice  inverted  walking;  easily  acquired 
calisthenics,  as  training  for  army  life,  have  many  and 
manifest  advantages.  The  drill  in  calisthenics  with  use 
of  the  rifle,  adopted  by  the  War  Department,  is  excel- 
lent in  every  way.  Athletics,  when  carried  to  excess, 
do  not  furnish  the  best  preparation  for  service  in  the 
field. 

In  camp,  at  Retreat  and  Reveille  officers  and  men 
habitually  fall  in  under  arms;  arms  are  inspected  at 
Retreat,  the  men  having  been  cautioned  to  have  them 
at  hand  in  case  of  alarm. 

In  closing  the  subject  of  Camping,  let  it  be  added: 
Never  occupy  an  old  camp-ground  if  by  any  possibility 
it  can  be  avoided;  it  is  more  than  likely  to  be  the  foci  of 
disease.  '^Tenting  on  the  old  camp-ground,"  however 
beautiful  as  a  sentiment,  is  not  healthy. 

The  following  extract  from  recent  orders^  of  the 
War  Department  emphasize  the  foregoing  necessities 
of  rigid  camp  sanitation : 

"In  order  to  prevent  as  far  as  possible  the  dis- 
eases incident  to  encampments  of  large  bodies  of  men 
— namely,  typhoid  and  malarial  fevers,  diarrhea  and 

IG.  O.  117,  1898. 

— y— 


122  Customs  of  the  Service, 

dysentery,  and  the  further  spread  thereof  where  these 
diseases  have  already  gained  more  or  less  headway, 
all  officers,  from  the  commanding  general  to  company 
commanders,  will  exercise  the  utmost  vigilance  to  en- 
force proper  sanitary  conditions  in  camp  and  strict 
cleanliness  of  the  person. 

"The  speedy  destruction  or  removal  with  safety 
of  all  decaying  substances  present  and  future,  and  the 
rendering  innoxious  the  feculent  matter  of  the  camp, 
must  be  accomplished. 

"No  effort  will  be  spared  to  carry  this  order  into 
effect  to  the  fullest  extent,  and  to  this  end  those  con- 
cerned will  not  rest  content  with  the  issuance  of  or 
ders  upon  the  subject,  but  they  or  their  representa- 
tives, duly  impressed  with  this  grave  responsibility, 
will  immediately  see  to  the  commencement,  continu- 
ance, superintendence,  and  practical  accomplishment, 
day  by  day,  of  the  instructions  imposed  upon  the 
command." 

Lord  Wolseley,  in  a  recent  memorandum,  says:  "It 
will  be  the  duty  of  company  officers  to  point  out  to  the 
men  under  their  control,  and  particularly  to  young  sol- 
diers, the  disastrous  effects  of  giving  way  to  habits  of 
intemperance  and  immorality;  the  excessive  use  of 
intoxicating  liquors  unfits  the  soldier  for  active  work, 
blunts  his  intelligence,  and  is  a  fruitful  source  of  mili- 
tary crime.  The  man  who  leads  a  vicious  life  enfeebles 
his  constitution Even  those  who  do  not 


Customs  of  the  Service.  123 

entirely  break  down  are  unfit  for  service  in  the  field. 

....  Company  oflScers  should  exercise  a  salutary 

influence  in  these  matters,  more  particularly  over  the 

younger  men Officers  should  do  their  utmost 

to  promote  a  cleanly  and  moral  tone  among  the  men 
and  to  ensure  that  all  rowdyism  and  obscenity,  in  word 
or  action,  is  kept  in  check.  ...  .  .  Under  no  cir- 
cumstances should  public  acts  or  expressions  of  inde- 
cency be  tolerated." 

WOUNDS. 

If  from  any  wound  the  blood  spurts  out  in  jets, 
instead  of  a  steady  stream,  you  will  die  in  a  few  min- 
utes, unless  it  be  remedied,  because  an  artery  has  been 
divided.  To  stop  this  instantly,  tie  a  handkerchief  or 
other  cloth  very  loosely  detween  the  wound  and  the 
heart,  put  a  stick,  bayonet,  or  ramrod  between  the  skin 
and  the  handkerchief,  and  twist  it  around  until  the 
bleeding  ceases,  and  keep  it  thus  until  the  surgeon 
arrives.  Practice  this;  then  you  will  know  how  to  do  it 
if  needed.  If  the  blood  flows  in  a  slow,  regular  stream, 
a  vein  has  been  pierced,  and  the  handkerchief  must  be 
on  the  other  side  of  the  wound  from  the  heart — that 
is,  below  the  wound.  The  greatest  physical  kindness 
you  can  show  a  severely  wounded  man  is  to  place  him 
on  his  back,  the  head  being  elevated  three  or  four 
inches  only,  and  then  give  him  a  drink  of  water. 


124  Customs  of  the  Service, 

All  officers  and  soldiers  are  supplied  with  a  packet 
of  Esmarch's  "first  help  for  wounds"  in  time  of  war  in 
the  field  of  active  operations;  this  package  contains 
four  antiseptic  compresses  and  bandages  of  sublimated 
cloth;  the  package  should  not  be  opened  except  when 
needed,  as  its  antiseptic  value  would  probably  be  lost. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  125 


OUTPOST  DUTY. 

Outposts  are  very  important.  Their  purposes  are  to 
cover  approaches  to  the  main  body;  to  discover  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  and  give  timely  warning;  to  pre- 
vent surprise  and  to  give  rest  and  quiet  to  the  army, 
and,  in  the  event  of  the  enemy's  advance,  to  resist  him 
until  the  main  body  are  able  to  make  proper  disposi- 
tions for  battle.  The  duty  is  of  the  highest  importance, 
that  security  and  rest  be  given  to  the  other  troops  and 
their  rest  undisturbed  by  false  alarms;  dire  disaster 
has  often  resulted  from  neglect  of  simple  precautions. 
The  outposts  must  cover  the  front  of  the  camp  and  ex- 
tend beyond  the  flanks,  unless  protected  by  absolutely 
impassable  obstacles;  observe  the  ground  thoroughly  as 
to  obstacles  and  what  ought  to  be  done  if  an  attack  be 
made.  All  outlying  pickets  are  to  be  held  under  arms 
for  at  least  an  hour  before  dawn,  with  the  supports  and 
reserves  also  under  arms.  Just  as  day  is  breaking  and 
at  nightfall  are  especially  times  for  extra  vigilance. 
The  preliminary  vedettes  posted,  the  commander  thor- 
oughly reconnoiters  the  ground  and  improves  or  cor- 
rects positions.  The  pickets  should  be  in  view  of  each 
other,  say  from  100  to  300  yards  apart,  depending  on 
the  topography,  forming  a  chain,  and  where  they  can 
see  everything  without  being  seen  by  the  enemy  more 
than  is  absolutely  necessary,  but  ability  to  see  things 


126  Customs  of  the  Service. 

is  the  more  important  function  than  concealment;  take 
advantage  of  a  tree,  a  rock,  a  ditch,  and  do  not  move 
about;  the  distances  apart  of  the  pickets  are  to  be  gov- 
erned by  circumstances  of  the  ground  and  available 
number  of  men;  if  posted  on  a  hill,  take  position  just 
below  and  overlooking  the  crest.  Naturally  the  pick- 
ets would  be  in  stronger  force  near  roads  or  practica- 
ble routes  of  advance.  Hasty  intrenchments  are  a  good 
thing.  If  fires  are  permitted,  they  must  be  very  small 
and  hidden  from  the  enemy.  While  the  supports  are 
allowed  to  rest,  they  are  not  permitted  to  sleep,  but 
must  be  on  the  alert  and  constantly  observing  the 
posted  sentinels;  even  the  slightest  sound  may  be  sig- 
nificant; to  turn  up  the  coat  collar  even  may  interfere 
with  acute  hearing.  The  pickets  must  distinctly  under- 
stand their  orders,  have  arms  and  ammunition  in  read- 
iness for  instant  use,  permit  no  trifling,  report  every- 
thing that  is  seen;  dust  rising  may  indicate  moving 
troops,  or  as  a  ruse — let  the  chief  determine  its  impor- 
tance; better  report  too  much  than  too  little;  persons 
approaching  and  representing  themselves  to  be  desert- 
ers must  be  required  to  lay  down  their  arms  before 
coming  near;  they  may  not  be  deserters.  At  night  a 
vedette  should  be  posted  on  lower  ground,  so  that  per- 
sons approaching  may  be  outlined  against  the  horizon; 
changes  of  position  are  best  made  after  dark,  so  that 
the  enemy  cannot  discern  the  change;  let  scouts  see 
that  ambuscade  is  not  fallen  into  in  any  change  made 


COSSACK  POSTS. 
SeNTlNELS. 

7«         LI     *    L!         n 


MAIN  BOOV 


ADVANCE   GUARD 


rtANKERS 


FLANKERS 


•  —      •-       - 


RESERVE  -^ 


MAIN 

COLUMN. 

Customs  of  the  Si 


in  advance.  With  Cossack  posts  there  is  economy  in 
number  of  men  required;  each  post  consists  of  three 
sentinels  and  a  non-commissioned  officer;  one  of  the 
sentinels  is  posted  15  or  20  yards  in  advance  and  con- 
stantly on  the  lookout,  the  others  allowed  to  rest  (not 
to  sleep)  arms  at  hand.  No  compliments  are  paid  by  the 
outposts,  except  that  the  relief  stands  at  attention 
when  the  commander  visits  them.i  Cavalry  patrols  are 
better  for  this  work  than  infantry ;  they  can  be  and  are 
sent  out  further,  cover  more  ground,  constantly  mov- 
ing and  naturally  on  the  alert  to  avoid  personal  dan- 
ger, and  can  give  earlier  warning;  in  fact,  the  eyes  and 
ears  of  the  army  and  more  valuable  on  this  service  than 
in  battle,  since  in  our  country  open  plains  for  cavalry 
charges  are  not  often  found.  Patrols  should  march  in 
absolute  silence;  avoid  conversation  or  smoking;  the 
carbine  and  saber  so  arranged  that  no  noise  is  made 
by  motion  of  the  horse;  move  along  under  available 
screens,  trees,  ravines,  etc.  If  the  enemy  are  discov- 
ered and  orders  or  their  strength  (don't  be  deceived 
about  this)  compel  return,  skirmish  in  retreating,  delay 
his  advance,  and  afford  the  reserves  time  for  formation. 

Outpost  duty  and  advance  guards  can  only  be  out- 
Jined  in  these  papers,  but  require  important  considera- 
tion.   (See  Wagner's  "Security  and  Information.") 

Outposts,  sentinels,  or  pickets  are  not  to  be  fired^ 

lA.  R.  392. 

2"Govt.  Armies,"  Lieber,  and  G.  O.  100,  1863. 


132  Customs  of  the  Service. 

upon,  except  to  drive  them  in,  or  when  a  positive  order, 
special  or  general,  has  been  issued  to  that  effect. 

ADVANCE  AND  KEAE  GUARDS. 

In  the  enemy's  country,  or  where  the  enemy  might 
penetrate,  troops  on  the  march,  whether  in  large  or 
small  bodies,  must  always  be  preceded  by  an  advance 
guard ;  there  will  then  be  neither  surprise  to  throw  the 
main  body  into  disorder,  nor  fear  from  "Quaker  guns.'' 
Advance  guards  afford  time  for  deployment  and  taking 
of  positions  by  the  main  body,  and  seizing  and  holding 
important  positions  and  gaining  information. 

Rear  guards,  in  a  forward  movement,  protect  the 
rear  of  the  column  from  raiding  parties,  arrest  strag- 
glers, etc.  In  retreat,  its  functions  are  vitally  impor- 
tant, and  should  have  the  best  troops,  checking  pur- 
suits and  at  every  opportunity  forcing  the  enemy  to 
deploy  and  prepare  for  attack,  and,  having  caused  this 
delay,  move  on  to  next  good  ground  and  repeat  these 
maneuvers.  Every  hour's  delay  caused  to  the  pursuers 
may  be  of  the  greatest  value  in  saving  a  retreating 
army. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  183 


ARMY  CORRESPONDENCE. 

Use  letter  size  paper  only  (not  note  size);  a  half- 
sheet  only  when  the  single  page  is  sufficient;  fold  the 
letter  in  three  equal  folds  parallel  with  the  writing;  the 
first  fold  (on  the  reverse  side  of  this  fold  is  the  begin- 
ning of  the  communication,  P.  O.  address,  date,  etc.) 
will  be  used  exclusively  for  showing  date  and  place  of 
letter,  as  inside,  office  or  name  of  writer,  and  a  brief 
analysis  of  the  contents,  the  office  marks,  in  red  ink, 
and  note  of  inclosures. 

Communications  should  refer  to  one  subject  only; 
be  signed  or  authenticated  with  the  pen,  and  not  by  fac- 
similes;  signatures  plainly  written,  with  rank  annexed; 
be  briefed  (on  first  fold)  at  the  first  office  at  which  it  is 
received  and  entered.  Indorsements  commence  at  the 
top  of  the  second  fold,  and  are  numbered  serially,  as 
"1st  Indorsement,"  etc.,  in  order  of  dates,  on  the  suc- 
cessive folds,  leaving  room  after  each  for  office  marks. 
Additional  space  for  indorsements  will  be  provided  by 
pasting  slips  of  paper  on  the  under  side  of  the  last  fold 
(the  right  edge  of  the  original  paper),  each  slip,  when 
attached,  to  have  the  same  length  and  width  as  the 
original  fold,  and  to  turn  back  on  the  last  fold  like 
the  leaf  of  a  book.  The  first  fold,  on  which  the  brief 
is  made,  is  always  outside.    Printed  labels,  by  way  of 


134  Customs  of  the  Service. 

indorsements,  will  not  be  pasted  on  official  papers.  In 
no  case  will  a  loose  wrapper  be  placed  around  an  offi- 
cial paper,  except  as  a  mere  covering.  All  inclosures 
will  be  numbered,  ard  will  be  given  tlie  proper  office 
marks.  Inclosures  to  the  original  communication  are 
noted  on  the  first  fold,  just  below  the  brief.  Officers 
who  forward  communications  will  indorse  thereon 
their  approval  or  disapproval,  with  remarks.  Commu- 
nications to  superior  authority  are  addressed  to  the 
adjutant  or  adjutant-general  of  the  command,  and  are 
"Respectfully  forwarded"  or  "Returned,"  with  appro- 
priate remarks.  All  communications  on  official  mat- 
ters intended  for  the  Secretary  of  War,  or  the  com- 
manding general  of  the  Army,  will  be  in  writing  and 
addressed  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army.  Com- 
munications, whether  from  a  subordinate  to  a  superior 
or  vice  versa,  will,  as  a  rule,  pass  through  intermediate 
commanders.  The  use  of  colored  inks,  except  for  nota- 
tions of  numbers,  office  marks,  etc.,  is  prohibited.  The 
use  of  the  typewritter  is  permitted,  except  in  recording 
fi,ndings  and  sentences  in  proceedings  of  courts-martial. 
Note  especially  that  communications  are  addressed  to 
the  office,  not  to  the  officer  by  name;  e.  g.: 

"The  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

"3d  Brigade,  2d  Division,  etc., 

"Tampa,  Florida." 


Customs  of  the  Service,  135 

Not  to      "Lieut.-Colonel. . , 

"Asst.  Adjutant-General, 

"Etc.,  etc." 

(The  oflQcer  holding  this  position  at  geographical 
departments  is  addressed  as  "Adjutant-General.") 

Or  "The  Commanding  Officer, 

"26th  U.  S.  Infantry, 

"Etc.,  etc." 

Not  "Colonel , 

"Commanding  26th  U.  S.  Infantry, 

"Etc.,  etc." 

The  briefing  will  be  the  same  in  effect;  i.  e,,  in 
name  of  the  office  held  by  the  writer,  except  the  com- 
munication affects  him  in  a  semi-personal-official  man- 
ner; for  example,  an  application  for  a  leave  of  absence, 
a  resignation,  etc.;  then  brief  and  record  in  name  of 
the  writer.  All  communications  received  or  sent  are 
recorded,  with  date  (and  telegrams,  the  hour),  in  B.  L. 
R.  (Book  of  Letters  Received)  or  B.  L.  S.  (Book  of  Let- 
ters Sent),  with  indexes. 

"Letters  Sent"  consist  of  written  or  printed  com- 
munications (other  than  "Orders,"  which  appear  in  the 
Order  Book)  issued  from  the  office,  whether  a  formal 
letter,  an  endorsement  upon  a  letter,  a  memorandum, 
or  important  verbal  communication.  To  save  time, 
communications  which  are  simply  forwarded  with  a 
brief   "Forwarded    approved"   or   "Forwarded   disap- 


186 


Customs  of  the  Service. 


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Customs  of  the  Service.  137 

proved/'  without  other  material  remarks,  are  fre 
quently  thus  noted  in  the  B.  L.  R.  only.  This  seems  to 
be  a  sort  of  custom. 

When  a  reply  or  action  on  the  communication  is 
known,  note  of  this  should  be  made  in  red  ink  in  first 
column  of  B.  L.  S.,  as  ''See  K  R.  No.  .   .,"  etc. 

"Letters  Received''  consist  of  written  or  printed 
communications  coming  into  the  office. 

Bules  for  Indexing. 

Index  under  the  office,  unless  the  writer's  commu- 
nication pertains  to  himself,  and  not  directly  to  his 
organization.  The  example  here  shown  would  be  en- 
tered under  "I,"  Infantry,  and  read  ''Infantry,  26th, 
Co.  M.,"  with  serial  number  of  the  communication  in 
black  ink;  subjects  or  names  appearing  in  the  body  of 
the  communication  will  also  be  given  an  entry,  the 
number  in  this  case  being  in  colored  (red)  ink.  As  soon 
as  the  indexing  is  made,  underscore  in  the  B.  L.  S.  with 
red  ink  the  names  and  subjects  indexed.  Index  com- 
mences with  the  first  communication  received  or  sent 
in  the  year,  and  terminates  with  the  last  entry  of  the 
year;  it  contains  names  in  black  ink  of  all  persons  and 
things  appearing  in  the  record  book,  as  the  writers, 
receivers,  or  the  subjects  of  the  communication,  no 
name  being  entered  more  than  once;  this  followed  by 
the  number  of  the  communication  in  black  ink,  but 

—10- 


138  Customs  of  the  Service. 

the  number  is  in  red  inh  if  it  is  a  name  which  only  appears 
in  the  tody  of  the  letter. 

In  Index  of  Letters  Sent  (L.  S.)  the  numbers  refer 
to  the  pages  of  the  record  book. 

In  the  Index  of  Letters  Eeceived  (L.  R.)  the  num- 
bers refer  to  the  number  of  the  communication,  and  not 
to  the  page. 

Stationery, 

Issues  of  stationery  are  made  quarterly;  quanti- 
ties fixed  in  A.  R.  1023.  Necessary  stationery  for 
courts^  and  boards  will  be  furnished  on  requisition  of 
the  judge-advocate  or  recorder,  approved  by  the  presid- 
ing officer. 

The  act  approved  June  6,  1898,^  authorizes  estab- 
lishment by  the  Postmaster-General  of  a  temporary 
postoflQce  at  any  military  camp  or  post.  The  Secretary 
of  War  has  approved  the  suggestions  of  the  Postmaster- 
General.  Under  the  system^  outlined,  the  Postoffice 
Department  would  keep  the  supervision  and  manage- 
ment of  the  mails;  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
would  undertake  their  transportation  within  the  camp 
to  and  from  the  point  of  departure  and  arrival;  and 
the  adjutants  would  be  responsible  for  the  regimental 
and  company  collection  and  distribution. 


lA.  R.  1027. 
2G.  O.  G9,  1898. 
3G.  O.  89. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  139 

Officers  and  men  are  advised  that  on  communica- 
tions^ addressed  to  them  the  number  of  the  regiment 
and  the  letter  of  the  company  to  which  the  soldier  be- 
longs should  be  given. 

Official  communications  and  other  mailable  matter 
relating  exclusively  to  the  public  business  will  be 
transmitted  through  the  mails  free  of  postage  if  in- 
closed in  the  ^'penalty  envelope." 

Letters  written  by  officers  and  enlisted  men  will 
be  transmitted  without  prepayment^  of  postage  if 
plainly  marked  "Soldier^s  letter"  or  "Marine's  letter," 
as  the  case  may  be,  and  signed  thereunder  with  the 
name  and  official  designation  of  the  officer  command- 
ing the  company,  etc.  Letters  so  certified  will  be  sent 
with  postage  due  at  single  rate  only,  to  be  collected  on 
delivery. 

TELEGRAPHING. 

The  telegraph  will  be  used  only  in  cases  of  urgent 
and  imperative  necessity.  Prescribed  forms  are  used 
in  transmission,  not  the  ordinary  commercial  blank, 
and,  having  been  properly  certified  to,  are  to  be  re- 
garded by  the  receiving  operator  as  "Paid,  Govern- 
ment." When  it  is  questionable  whether  the  tele- 
grams are  on  official  business,  full  explanations  will 


iCir.  13,  1898. 
2Postal  Regs. 


1^0  Customs  of  the  Service, 

be  required.  Telegrams  making  application  for  leave 
of  absence  or  of  that  character  will  not  be  sent  or  paid 
for  as  public  dispatches.  Omit  unimportant  words. 
The  last  name  of  the  officer  addressed,  or  his  title,  and 
the  last  name  of  the  sender  are  generally  sufficient. 
Address  and  signature  are  counted  and  charged  for. 
Rates  are  fixed  annually  by  the  Postmaster-General. 
The  latest  tariff  is  published  in  G.  O.  132,  War  Depart- 
ment, A.  G.  O.  1898.  Approximately,  it  may  be  said 
that  day  messages  are,  with  modifications,  charged  at 
20  cents  for  twenty  words,  not  exceeding  1000  miles  dis- 
tance.   A  lesser  rate  for  night  messages. 


BOARDS  OF  SURVEY. 

If  the  public  property  is  found  damaged,  except 
from  fair  wear  ard  tear,  or  deficient,  a  board  of  sur- 
vey,^ usually  of  three  members,  is  asked  for  by  the 
officer  accountable  for  the  property;  the  board  will 
inquire  thoroughly  into  and  report  upon  all  the  facts, 
and  if  possible  fix  the  responsibility,  determine  the 
value  of  the  articles  deficient,  lost,  or  damaged,  and 
make  recommendations.  In  case  of  theft,  will  show 
the  precautions  taken.  A  board  of  survey  cannot  con- 
demn property.  All  persons  who  seem  responsible 
must  have   opportunity   for  explanation,   unless   the 


lA.  R.  708  it  seq.;  G.  O.  10,  1897. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  141 

record  shows  that  this  was  impracticable.  Identifying 
marks,  if  any,  on  the  stores,  initials  or  name  of  pur- 
chasing officer,  date,  etc.,  will  be  stated.  Testimony 
should  be  in  the  form  of  certificates  of  an  officer,  or 
affidavits  of  other  persons.  All  documents  used  as  evi- 
dence will  be  appended  to  the  proceedings.  All  the 
facts  and  circumstances  must  also  appear  in  the  body 
of  the  proceedings. 

The  junior  member,  as  recorder,  will  prepare  the 
record,  reciting  the  order  in  full  convening  the  board 
meetings,  names  of  members  present,  etc.  The  record 
will  be  made  in  triplicate,  on  legal  cap  paper,  and 
joined  at  the  top,  with  a  blank  sheet  between  the  last 
page  of  the  proceedings  and  the  appended  evidence  for 
action  of  the  reviewing  authority;  the  last  page  will 
be  used  on  the  outside  for  the  brief,  as  follows : 

Post  of ,  ,  1898. 

Proceedings  of  a  Board  of  Survey,  convened  by  S.  O.  No , 

Fort , ,  1898. 

Pwrpose, 
To  report  upon  (loss)  (subsistence  stores),  for  which 

Lieut is  accountable. 

President: 

Captain ,  27th  U.  S.  Infantry. 

Recorder: 

2d  Lieut 9th  Regt  U.  S.  Vols. 

The  proceedings  will  be  folded  in  four  equal  folds. 
A  separate  set  is  required  for  each  of  the  staff  depart- 


142  Customs  of  the  Service, 

ments  concerned.  A  board  of  survey  cannot  condemn 
property,  they  are  called  merely  to  determine  adminis 
trative  responsibility.  Nor  can  they  swear  witnesses; 
if  oral  testimony  be  taken  before  the  board,  it  will  be 
reduced  to  writing  by  the  recorder  and  sworn  to  be- 
fore a  person  competent  to  administer  oaths. 

The  proceedings  are  complete  with  approval  of  the 
convening  authority,  but  are  subject  to  revision  by 
higher  authority. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  J  43 


MILITARY  ORDERS. 

The  observance  of  all  lawful  orders  given  by  any 
competent  authority  is  strictly  enjoined,  and  their  non- 
observance  strictly  punishable.    ^Any  officer  or  soldier 

who disobeys  any  lawful  command  of  his 

superior  officer  shall  suffer  death,  or  such  other  punish- 
ment as  a  court-martial  may  direct.  ^"Obedience  to 
command  is  the  chief  military  virtue,  in  relation  to 
which  all  others  are  secondary  and  subordinate;  the 
obedience  must  be  complete  and  undeviating."  "The 
vital  principle  of  the  military — the  fundamental  rule, 
in  peace  and  war,  for  all  inferiors  through  all  the 
grades,  from  the  general  of  the  army  to  the  newest  re- 
cruit." ^"The  order  must  of  course  be  understood."* 
The  orderly  and  proper  course  in  all  cases  is  to  obey 
orders  and  afterwards,  if  any  hardship  or  oppression  is 
practiced,  appeal  to  superior  authority  for  redress."^ 

The  orders^  of  commanders  of  armies,  corps,  divi- 
sions, brigades,  regiments,  posts,  territorial  depart- 
ments,  and  districts  are   denominated  "general"   or 


lA.  w.  21. 

2Samuel,  266,  283,  287. 
3Winthrop*s  Digest,  812. 
4G.  O.  Div.  Atlantic,  1875. 
5G.  O.  Army  Potomac,  1862. 
6A.  R.  770. 


144  Customs  of  the  Service, 

^^special"  orders  of  such  army,  corps,  etc.  General  and 
special  orders  are  numbered  in  separate  series,  each 
beginning  with  the  calendar  year  or  at  the  time  of  the 
establishment  of  the  headquarters.  General  orders 
announce  the  time  and  place  of  duties,  roll-calls,  and 
in  general  matters  of  importance  and  interest  to  pub- 
lish to  the  whole  command,  and  results  of  trial  by 
court-martial  (same  series).  Special  orders  relate 
chiefly  to  individuals  or  to  matters  that  need  not  be 
made  known  to  the  whole  command.  An  order  will 
state  at  its  head  the  source  from  which  it  emanates, 
its  number,  date,  and  place  of  issue;  at  its  foot  the 
name  of  the  commander  by  whose  authority  it  is  issued. 
Files  of  orders  received  will  be  kept  by  each  regiment 
and  company  and  at  each  headquarters.  In  camp  or 
garrison,  orders  that  affect  a  command  will,  as  a  rule, 
be  read  to  the  troops  at  the  first  regular  parade  after 
they  are  received,  or  during  a  halt  may  te  read  to  the 
troops.  The  precise  hours  of  departure  and  the  rates 
at  which  they  are  to  be  conveyed  will  be  Written  clearly 
on  the  covers  of  all  dispatches  transmitted  by  mounted 
orderlies.  Circulars  are  a  form  of  order  frequently 
misused;  their  proper  purpose  is  in  explanation  of  rul- 
ings on  orders  or  decisions,  not  as  original  orders  in 
themselves.    They  should  also  be  serially  numbered. 

Note  that  A.  R.  771  prescribes  the  results  of  trials 
by  gereral  courts-martial  in  all  cases  of  officers  or  of 
enlisted  men  involving  matters  of  general  interest  and 


Customs  of  the  Service,  145 

importance  be  aiinoimced  in  general  orders.  The  Man- 
ual for  Courts-Martial,  page  135,  gives  the  form  for 
announcing  unimportant  trials,  not  of  general  interest, 
in  special  orders. 

COURTS-MARTIAL. 

A  general  court-martial  can  be  ordered  by  any 
general  officer  commanding  an  army,  a  territorial  de- 
partment, or  colonel  commanding  a  separate  depart- 
ment. The  general  court-martial  consists  of  not  more 
than  thirteen  nor  less  than  five  members  (commissioned 
officers).  If  less  than  thirteen  are  detailed,  the  conven- 
ing authority  will  state  in  the  order  that  "no  greater 
number  can  be  assembled  without  manifest  injury  to 
the  service."  This  statement  is  conclusive^  of  the  fact. 
If  by  sustained  challenges  or  from  any  other  cause  the 
number  be  reduced  below  five  members,  no  further  busi- 
ness, except  adjournment,  can  be  transacted.  General 
courts  have  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  capital  cases 
and  trials  of  commissioned  officers.  Courts  can  only 
sit  between  the  hours  of  8  o'clock  a.  m.  and  3  o'clock 
p.  m.,  unless  the  convening  authority  direct  that  they 
sit  without  regard  to  hours,^  when  necessary  for  the 
sake  of  immediate  example.  A  court  may  sit  on  Sun- 
day, but  should  not  do  so  unless  demanded  by  exigen 


lA.   R.  917. 
2A.  R.  918. 


146  Customs  of  the  Service, 

cies  of  the  service.  The  senior  member  present  will  act 
as  president  of  the  court.  The  judge-advocate  is  not 
a  member  of  the  court;  he  conducts  the  case  for  the 
United  States,  and,  if  the  accused  be  unrepresented  by 
counsel,  will  act  as  his  friend  in  the  legal  sense;  he 
administers  the  oath  to  the  members  and  witnesses, 
and  is  himself  sworn  by  the  president  of  the  court;  he 
keeps  the  record  and  withdraws^  when  "the  court  is 
cleared" — that  is,  sits  in  closed  session.  The  accused 
may  be  sworn  as  a  witness  in  his  own  behalf.  Couns?l 
are  permitted  to  represent  the  accused,  and,  if  he  de- 
sires, an  officer  may  be  detailed  for  this  duty.^  The 
84th  Article  of  War,  as  amended  by  the  Act  of  July  27, 
1892,  recites  the  oath  to  members,  and  the  85th  Article 
of  War  to  the  judge-advocate. 

Regular  officers^  may  now  sit  on  courts-martial  for 
the  trial  of  Volunteer  oflScers  and  soldiers. 

The  former  summary-court  act  is  supplemented'* 
and  amended  in  the  Act  of  June  18,  1898.  Its  action 
is  no  longer  limited  to  time  of  peace;  it  consists  of 
one  officer  to  be  designated  by  the  commanding  officer 
of  each  garrison,  fort,  or  other  place,  regiment  or  corps, 
detached  battalion  or  company,  or  other  detachment 
in  the  Army,  or,  in  his  discretion,  for  each  battalion 


lA.  R.  921. 

2A.  R.  926  and  G.  O.  49,  1898. 

3Cir.  21,  1898. 

4G.  O.  80,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  147 

thereof.  The  accused  shall  be  brought  to  trial  within 
twenty-four  hours  of  the  time  of  the  arrest,  or  as  soon 
thereafter  as  practicable;  the  summary  court  may  be 
appointed  and  the  officer  designated  by  superior  author- 
ity when  by  him  deemed  desirable.  Punishments  shall 
conform  to  the  limits  prescribed  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  (publishedi  in  G.  O.  16,  A.  G.  O.  1808); 
said  punishment  shall  not  exceed  confinement  at  hard 
labor  for  one  month  and  forfeiture  of  one  month's  pay, 
and,  in  the  case  of  non-commissioned  officer,  reduction 
to  the  ranks  in  addition  thereto.  Record  shall  be  kept 
of  all  cases  heard  and  determined  and  the  action  had 
thereon;  and  no  sentence  adjudged  by  said  summary 
court  shall  be  executed  until  it  shall  have  been  ap- 
proved by  the  officer  appointing  the  court,  or  by  the 
officer  commanding  for  the  time  being. 

2The  present  summary-court  act  does  not  give  the 
accused  the  right  to  object  to  trial  by  summary  court 
and  to  demand  trial  by  another  court,  nor  does  it  re- 
quire that  when  the  trial  officer  is  the  accuser  the  case 
shall  be  tried  by  ar other  court. 

The  repeal^  of  the  80th  and  110th  Articles  of  War 
abolishes  the  former  field  officer's  court,  and  the  sum- 
mary court  is  substituted  for  it.  Non-commissioned 
officers^  shall  not,  if  they  object  thereto,  be  brought  to 


IM.  C.  M.,  pp.  44  et  seq, 
2M.  C.  M.,  p.  65. 
3Act  of  June  18,  1898. 


148  Customs  of  the  Service. 

trial  before  summary  courts  without  the  authority  of 
the  officer  competent  to  order  their  trial  by  general 
court-martial,  but  such  cases  shall  be  brought  to  trial 
before  garrison,  regimental,  or  general  courts-martial, 
as  the  case  may  be. 

The  garrison  court-martial  consists  of  three  mem- 
bers and  a  judge-advocate;  the  commanding  officer  of 
a  garrison,  fort,  or  other  place,  where  the  troops  con- 
sist of  different  corps,  is  competent  to  appoint  such 
court.  The  presence  on  duty  at  the  place  of  a  medical 
officer  or  ordnance  sergeant,  etc.,  covers  the  clause 
"different  corps." 

The  regimental^  court-martial  is  composed  of  three 
members  and  a  judge-advocate;  officers  of  the  regiment 
or  corps  of  the  accused  are  only  eligible  for  detail  on 
this  court.  Practically  the  regimental  court  is  only 
convened  to  investigate  a  wrong  by  an  officer  to  a  sol- 
dier on  complaint  made  by  the  latter  under  the  30th 
Article  of  War. 

Excluding  the  general  court-martial,  the  minor 
courts  named  shall  not  have  power  to  try  capital  cases 
or  commissioned  officers,  or  to  inflict  a  fine^  exceeding 
one  month's  pay,  or  to  imprison^  or  put  to  hard  labor 
any  enlisted  man  for  a  longer  period  than  one  month; 
and  see  G.  O.  16,  A.  G.  O.  1898,  limiting  punishments 
for  enlisted  men.    Punishments  must  conform  to  the 


lA.  W.  81  and  30. 

2A.  W.  83;  G.  O.  16,  1898. 


Customs  of  the  Service,  149 

law;  "carrying  a  log,"  "standing  on  a  barrel/'  etc.,  are 
not  permitted.  Minor  offenses  are,  subject  to  the  con- 
trol of  the  commanding  officer  of  the  post,  authorized  to 
be  disposed  of  by  requiring  extra  tours  of  fatigue,  un- 
less the  soldier  demands  a  trial.  This  right^  to  demard 
a  trial  must  be  made  known  to  him. 

Commanding  officers  will,  before  forwarding^  any 
charges  for  trial  by  general  court-martial,  personally 
investigate  them,  and,  by  indorsement  on  the  charges, 
certify  that  they  have  made  such  investigation,  and, 
whether,  in  their  opinion,  the  charges  can  be  sustained. 
Commanding  officers  are  not  required  to  bring  every 
dereliction^  of  duty  before  a  court  for  trial,  but  will 
endeavor  to  prevent  their  recurrence  by  admonitions, 
withholding  of  privileges,  and  taking  such  steps  as 
may  be  necessary  to  enforce  their  orders. 

Charges  submitted  for  trial  must  be  accompanied 
by  evidence  of  ^previous  convictions,  if  any. 

Sentences^  imposing  tours  of  guard  duty  are  for- 
bidden. 

Reading  of  newspapers  or  other  evidence  of  inat- 
tention^ by  members  of  a  court-martial  during  its  ses- 


iCir.  5,  1898. 

2A.  R.  928. 

3A.  R.  930. 

4A.  R.  929  and  G.  O.  94,  1898;  M.  C.  M.,  p.  18. 

5A.  R.  939. 

fiM.  C.  M.  20. 


160  Customs  of  the  Service. 

sions  constitutes  a  violation  of  duty  to  the  prejudice  of 
good  order  and  military  discipline. 

Solitary  confinement,  or  confinement  on  bread-and- 
water^  diet,  shall  not  exceed  fourteen  days  at  a  time, 
nor  be  again  enforced  until  a  period  of  fourteen  days 
has  elapsed. 

A  court-martial  cannot  direct  a  forfeiture  to  reim- 
burse any  person;  forfeitures  can  only  be  directed  in 
favor  of  the  United  States.  A  soldier  cannot  be  re- 
quired to  receipt  for  money  paid  without  his  consent. 

Arrests, 

Commanding  officers  only  have  power  to  place 
officers^  in  arrest,  except  as  provided  in  the  24th  Article 
of  War.  An  officer  in  arrest  remains  at  his  tent  or 
quarters  until  more  extended  limits  have  been  granted, 
and  will  not  wear  a  sword  (the  surrender  of  his  sword 
at  arrest  is  usually  waived).  Medical  officers  need  not 
be  placed  in  arrest  until  the  meeting  of  the  court- 
martial,  unless  the  charges  are  of  a  flagrant  character. 

Non-commissioned  officers^  in  arrest  will  not  be 
required  to  perform  any  duty  in  which  they  may  be 
called  upon  to  exercise  command,  and,  if  in  confine- 
ment, will  not  be  sent  out  to  work  with  prisoners 
under  sentence. 


IM.  C.  M.  42. 
2A.  R.  897  to  900. 
3A.  R.  904. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  161 

Privates  against  whom  charges  may  be  preferred 
for  trial  by  summary  court  will  not  be  confined^  in  the 
guard-house,  but  will  be  placed  in  arrest  in  quarters, 
before  and  during  trial  and  while  awaiting  sentence, 
except  when  in  particular  cases  restraint  may  be  nec- 
essary. If  a  soldier  in  arrest  in  quarters  shall  break 
his  arrest,  the  offense  would  be  charged  under  the  62d 
Article  of  War. 

Form  for  Record  of  a  Garrison  Court-Martial. 

Case Proceedings  of  a  garrison  court-martial  con- 
vened at ,  pursuant  to  the  following  order: 

"Camp , ,  1898. 

"Orders  No 

"A  garrison  court-martial  will  convene   at  this  post  at 

. .  o'clock  a.  m.,  on , ,  1898,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as 

practicable,  for  the  trial  of  such  prisoners  as  may  be  properly 
brought  before  it. 

"Detail  for  the  Court. 

"Captain , Regiment, 

"First  Lieutenant ,  etc. 

"First  Lieutenant ,  etc. 

"Second  Lieutenant , Regt. 

" ,  Judge-Advocate. 

"By  order  of  Colonel  

(Signed)     " , 

"First  Lieut ,    Regt,  Adjutant. 

"Camp , ,  1898." 

The  court  met,  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  order,  at  . . 
o'clock  . .  m. 


lA.  R.  936. 


J  52  Customs  of  the  Service, 


Presefit 

(Give  names  of  members  present  and  judge-advocate.) 

The  court  then  proceeded  to  the  trial  of  Private , 

Co , Regt.,  who  was  brought  before  the  court,  and,  hav- 
ing heard  the  order  convening  it  read,  was  asked  if  he  had  any 
objection  to  being  tried  by  any  member  named  therein;  to 
which  he  replied  in  the  negative.  The  members  of  the  court 
and  the  judge-advocate  were  then  duly  sworn,  and  the  accused 
was  arraigned  upon  the  following  charge  and  specification: 

Charge:     

Specification:  (in  full). 

To  which  the  prisoner  pleaded: 
To  the  specification — "Guilty." 
To  the  charge — "Guilty." 

(Or,  if  the  plea  be  "Not  guilty,"  witnesses  are  examined  for 
prosecution  and  defense.) 

The  judge-advocate  announced  that  the  prosecution  here 
rested. 

The  prisoner  stated  that  he  had  no  testimony  to  offer  or 
statement  to  make. 

The  accused  and  judge-advocate  then  withdrew,  and  the 

court  was  closed  and  finds  the  accused.  Private 

Co , Regt.: 

Of  the  specification — "Guilty." 

Of  the  charge— "Guilty." 

The  judge-advocate  and  the  accused  were  then  recalled 
and  the  court  opened;  the  judge-advocate  stated  that  he  had 
no  evidence  of  previous  convictions  to  submit  (or  read  the  evi- 
dence of  previous  convictions  hereto  appended  and  marked 
A,  B,  etc.). 

The  accused  and  judge-advocate  then  withdrew,  and  the 

court  was  closed,  and  sentences  him.   Private   

Co , Regt.,  etc. 

The  judge-advocate  was  then  recalled,  and  the  court,  at  . . 
. ..  m.,  etc. 

(Signed  by  th(3  prcs^ident  and  the  judge-advocate.) 


Customs  of  the  Service,  163 

The  decision  and  orders  of  the  convening  author- 
ity, dated  and  officially  signed,  follow  at  close  of  above. 

Form  for  Sentences. 

Reduotion  of  Non-commissio7ied  Officer.— And  the  court  do 
therefore  sentence  him,  Sergeant ,  Co ,  ....  Regi- 
ment, to  be  reduced  to  the  ranlis. 

Confinement.— to  be  confined  at  hard  labor,  under 

charge  of  the  post  guard,  for (. .)  days. 

Forfeiture.— to  forfeit   (. .)  of  his  pay,  or 

months  of,  etc. 

Forfeiture  and  Confinement.— to  forfeit   . . (. .) 

dollars  of  his  pay  and  to  be  confined  at  hard  labor  for 

days. 

In  order  to  facilitate  business  before  general 
courts-martial,  the  reading  of  previous  proceedings  and 
of  testimony  for  approval  will  be  dispensed  with,  un- 
less for  special  reason  considered  necessary  by  the 
court,  or  a  witness  desires  to  have  certain  testimony 
read  for  correction.  (Decision  Acting  Sec.  War,  Decem- 
ber 28,  1897;  Cir.  27,  A.  G.  O.  1897.) 

The  Orders  of  the  President  limiting  punishments 
in  certain  cases  published  in  G.  O.  No.  16,  War  Depart- 
ment, A.  G.  0. 1898. 

For  decisions  respecting  mail  matter  for  prisoners, 
see  Cir.  No.  8,  A.  G.  O.  1896. 

For  sentences  of  confinement,  general  prisoners, 
see  Cir.  No.  10,  A.  G.  O.  1896. 

For  clothing  issues  to  general  prisoners,  see  Cir. 
No.  5,  A.  G.  0. 1896. 
—11— 


154  Customs  of  the  Service, 

Officers  of  the  Army,  other  than  a  judge-advocate 
of  a  department  or  a  court-martial,  or  the  trial  officer 
of  a  summary  court,  are  not^  authorized  by  law  to 
administer  oaths,  excepting  of  course  the  president  of 
a  court-martial  the  oath  of  the  judge  advocate,  and  to 
the  judge-advocate  if  the  latter  be  called  as  a  witness. 
An  inspector-general  may  be  authorized  in  special  cases 
to  administer  the  oath  in  investigation  of  matters. 

Form  of  Brief, 

The  papers  forming  the  complete  record  will  be 
fastened  together  at  the  top,  and  the  record  folded  in 
four  folds,  and  briefed  on  the  first  fold  as  follows: 

Private,  Co 

Trial  by  general  (or  garrison)  court-martial 

at 

Commencing ,  1898. 

Ending ,  1898. 

President: 

Colonel  , 

Judge- Advocate : 

Lieut , 

Every  court-martial  will  keep  an  accurate  record 
of  its  proceedings.  The  record  will  be  complete  in 
itself  in  each  case,  and  will  contain  a  copy  of  the  order 

lOir.  23,  1898. 


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Customs  of  the  Service,  155 

appointing  the  court,  authenticated  by  the  signatures 
of  the  president  and  the  judge-advocate,  the  latter  affix- 
ing his  signature  to  each  day's  proceedings.  The  record 
must  show  that  the  prisoner  was  asked  if  he  wished 
to  object  to  any  member,  and  his  answer  to  such  ques- 
tion, and  that  the  members  of  the  court  and  the  judge- 
advocate  were  duly  sworn. 

As  indicating  curiously  the  manners  of  the  age, 
during  the  reign  of  William  and  Mary  (1689),  Macaulay 
notes  that  in  the  Mutiny  Bill  was  added  a  rider,  provid- 
ing "that  no  court-martial  should  pass  sentence  of 
death,  except  between  the  hours  of  six  in  the  morning 
and  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  dinner  hour  was 
then  early,  and  it  was  but  too  probable  that  a  gentle- 
man who  had  dined  would  be  in  a  state  in  which  he 
could  not  safely  be  trusted  with  the  lives  of  his  fellow- 
creatures." 

Desertion. 

Desertion  is  a  grave  offense  and  deserves  condign 
punishment  in  peace-time,  and  is  punishable  with  death 
in  time  of  war.  A  deserter  forfeits  all  rights  of  citizen- 
ship. A  deserter  will  not  be  restored  to  duty  without 
trial  except  by  authority  competent  to  order  his  trial. 
No  man  is  dropped^  as  a  deserter  until  after  the  expira- 
tion of  ten  days,  unless  the  company  commander  has 
conclusive  evidence  of  the  absentee's  intention  not  to 


lA.  R.  133. 


156  Customs  of  the  Service, 

return.  A  reward  of  ten^  dollars  is  paid  for  apprehen- 
sion, and  a  description  of  the  deserter  sent  to  marshals, 
sheriffs,  etc.,  and  to  civil  officers  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
deserter^s  home  and  place  of  enlistment. 

When  a  soldier  deserts,^  a  board  of  survey  will 
be  called  by  the  regimental  commander  to  ascertain 
whether  he  has  lost  or  abstracted  any  articles  of  Gov- 
ernment property,  and  if  so,  to  determine  the  money 

value  of  the  same The  board  will  also  fully 

investigate  the  circumstances  attending  desertion,  es- 
pecially the  causes  which  induced  it. 

While  awaiting^  trial,  deserters  will  receive  no 
pay,  nor  sign  the  pay-rolls.  In  no  case  will  his  per- 
sonal effects^  be  turned  over  to  his  relatives.  A  post 
commander  will  promptly  notify^  the  surgeon  of  every 
desertion  from  his  command.  When  a  deserter  sur- 
renders^ at  a  military  post,  the  post  commander  will 
cause  immediate  inquiry  to  be  made  as  to  whether  trial 

is  barred  by  statute  of  limitations and  examined^ 

by  a  medical  officer 


lA.   R.   124. 

2G.  O.  45,  1898,  A.  R.  amended. 

3A.  R.  129;   G.  O.  75,  1897;  C.  27,  1897. 

4G.  O.  75,   1897. 

5A.   R.  123. 

6A.   R.  120. 

7A.  R.  121. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  157 


LEAVE  OF  ABSENCE  FOR  OFFICERS. 

A  division  commander  may  grant^  leaves  for  ten 
days,  a  corps  or  department  commander  may  grant 
leaves  for  one  month,  and  the  commanding  general  of 
the  Army  for  four  months.  Leave  of  absence  will  not 
be  granted  during  the  season  of  active  operations,  ex- 
cept in  case  of  urgent  necessity.  A  leave  of  absence 
commences^  on  the  day  following  that  on  which  the 
officer  departs  from  his  proper  station.  The  day  of 
departure,  whatever  the  hour,  is  counted  as  a  day  of 
duty;  the  day  of  return,  as  a  day  of  absence.  An  offi- 
cer granted  leave  of  absence  for  more^  than  seven  days 
will,  before  taking  advantage  thereof,  report  to  his  post 
and  regimental  or  corps  commander  and  to  the  Adju- 
tant-General of  the  Army  the  probable  date  of  his  de- 
parture and  his  new  address,  and  thereafter  he  will 
immediately  report  any  change  in  his  address  to  the 
same  officers.  Applications  for  sick  leaves  must  be 
accompanied  by  report  of  the  surgeon.    (A.  R.  60.) 

^The  expiration  of  an  officer's  leave  must  find  him 
at  his  post,  excepting  that  if,  under  orders  to  change 
station,^  he  takes  advantage  of  a  leave  before  joining 

IG.  O.  46,  1897,  and  G.  O.  78,  1898. 

2A.   R.  54. 

3A.  R.  57. 

4A.  R.  54.  ; 

5A.  R.  1331, 


168  Customs  of  the  Service, 

the  new  station,  the  leave  merely  suspends  the  execu- 
tion of  the  order  for  change  of  station,  and  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  leave  he  comes  under  the  operation  of  the 
order  and  is  entitled  to  travel  allowances  to  which  he 
would  be  entitled  had  he  not  availed  himself  of  the 
leave,  and  is  entitled  to  full  pay  for  the  time  necessary 
to  perform  the  journey  from  his  old  to  his  new  station. 

^An  officer  who  starts  to  join  his  station  at  the 
expiration  of  a  sick  leave  will  be  reported  as  "m  route 
to  join  station  from  sick  leave  of  absence,"  during  the 
time  necessarily  consumed  in  making  the  journey  to 
his  post. 

No^  leave  granted  leaving  a  company  without  a 
commissioned  officer,  nor  during  the  season  of  active 
operations,  except  in  urgent  necessity;  nor  exceeding 
seven  days,  until  an  officer  has  served  with  his  regi- 
ment at  least  two  years,  except  under  extraordinary 
circumstances;  nor  to  go  beyond  sea,  without  permis- 
sion from  the  War  Department.  In  tipie  of  peace,  com- 
mander of  a  post  may  grant  seven  days'  leave,  or  take 
similar  leave,  in  one  month.  Verbal  permits  for  less 
than  twenty-four  hours  are  not  counted  as  leaves.  Per- 
mission to  hunt  not  considered  a  leave  under  the  re- 
strictions of  A.  R.  58.  Full  pay  allowed  during  absence 
on  account  of  sickness^  or  wounds  and  during  the  time 
consumed  in  making  the  journey  to  his  station.     An 


lA.  R.  63. 

2A.  R.   44-45,   50-51,  58. 

3A.    R.    1315. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  169 

officer  receives  full  pay  if  on  leave  not  exceeding  thirty 
days  in  each  year,  or  this  may  become  accumulative 
for  four  successive  leave  years.  The  leave  year  is  reck- 
oned from  June  20th.i 

Acting^  asistant  surgeons  are  not  entitled  to  pay 
while  on  leave. 

Leaves  of  absence  granted  to  officers  of  the  Army 
serving  at  stations  beyond  the  limits^  of  the  United 
States,  for  the  purpose  of  returning  to  this  country, 
will  be  regarded  as  taking  effect  on  the  dates  they 
reach  the  United  States,  respectively,  and  as  terminat- 
ing on  the  respective  dates  of  their  departure  there- 
from in  returning  to  their  commands.  The  dates  of 
arrival  in  and  departure  from  the  United  States  will, 
in  every  case,  be  reported  to  the  Adjutant-General  of 
the  Army. 

FURLOUGHS  TO  SOLDIERS. 

Furloughs  for  twenty  days^  may  be  granted  by 
commanding  officers  of  posts  or  by  regimental  com- 
manders, if  the  companies  to  which  they  belong  are  un- 
der their  control.  A  furlough  will  not  be  granted  to  a 
soldier  about  to  be  discharged.  Department  command- 
ers may  grant  furloughs  to  sergeants  of  the  post  non- 

lA.  R.   1317. 
2G.   O.   49,   1890. 
3G.  O.  167,  1898. 
4A.  R.  106. 


160  Customs  of  the  Service, 

commissioned^  staff  for  one  months,  to  other  soldiers  for 
two  months;  the  commanding  general  of  the  Army  for 
four  months. 

Arms  or  accoutrements  not  taken  on  furlough,  and 
no  payments  made  while  on  furlough.  Full  pay^  is 
allowed  for  the  period  of  absence  on  furlough  and  com- 
mutation of  rations  at  25  cents  per  day,  provided  the 
soldier  does  not  overstay  his  furlough,  and  under  re- 
cent orders^  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  sent  to  United 
States  general  or  field  hospitals  may  be  granted  one 
month's  furlough  and  transportation  and  commutation 
of  rations  to  the  soldier's  home  and  return  to  his  sta- 
tion. On  the  application^  of  a  soldier  on  furlough, 
made  at  the  nearest  military  station  and  showing 
clearly  the  urgency  of  his  case,  a  department  com- 
mander may  order  transportation  and  subsistence  to 
be  furnished  to  enable  him  to  rejoin  his  proper  station, 
to  be  charged  against  the  soldier's  pay.  A  soldier  who 
has  returned  from  furlough  to  the  station  from  which 
f  urloughed,  his  company  having  in  his  absence  changed 
station,  is  entitled  to  transportation  at  the  expense  of 
the  Government  to  the  new  station  of  his  company. 


lA.  R.  108. 
2A.  R.  1272. 
3G.  O.  114,  1898. 
4A.  R.  110. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  161 


MUSTERROLLS. 

Read  and  follow  carefully  the  explicit  notes  on 
the  muster,  and  muster-  and  pay-rolls;  accuracy  very 
important  now,  and  in  establishing  in  future  years 
the  status  of  officers  and  men  in  back  pay,  pension, 
and  other  claims.  The  roll  must  be  folded  evenly  in 
three  folds,^  with  brief  on  the  outside.  It  will  not  be 
folded  or  creased  to  fit  an  envelope,  but  will  be  mailed 
in  an  envelope  of  the  proper  size  or  in  a  wrapper  made 
especially  for  the  purpose.  Company  commanders  will 
economize  space  by  close  writing  and  utilizing  every 
line.  If  additional  space  be  found  absolutely  neces- 
sary, the  roll  will  be  enlarged,  before  using,  by  stitch- 
ing into  the  middle  of  it  an  extra  sheet  from  another 
roll.  Pieces  of  paper  will  under  no  circumstances  be 
attached  to  the  roll. 

Enlisted  men  belonging  to  different^  regiments  or 
distinct  organizations  will  not  be  mustered  on  the  same 
roll.  Separate  rolls  must  be  prepared  for  the  members 
of  each  regiment  or  organization.  A  soldier  on  duty 
or  in  hospital^  where  his  company  is  not  mustered  will 
be  mustered  on  a  detachment  roll,  a  separate  roll  being 
prepared  for  each  regiment.    Calculations  on  the  pay- 


ICir.  4,  1896. 
2G.  O.  56,  1898. 
3A.  R.  785. 


162  Customs  of  the  Service, 

roll  are  made  by  the  paymaster.  Retained^  rolls  will 
not  be  changed  without  authority  from  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army. 

Companies  will  be  designated  on  the  rolls  by  let- 
ters and  regiments,  and  by  the  names  of  their  captains, 
whether  present  or  absent. 

For  requirements  in  preparation  of  muster-out- 
rolls,  see  G.  O.  24,  1898. 

FINAL  STATEMENTS. 

Final  Statements,  in  duplicate,  are  given  soldiers 
on  discharge  (unless  dishonorably  discharged  by  sen- 
tence of  general  court-martial,  with  forfeiture  of  all 
pay  and  allowances).  The  Final  Statements  show  date 
and  place  of  enlistment,  and  discharge,  with  reason 
for;  amounts  due  to  or  from  soldier.  In  the  case  of 
deceased  soldiers,  the  Final  Statements  are  sent  direct 
to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army. 

^It  should  he  home  in  mind  that  overpayments  caused  hy 
erroneous  Final  Statements  will  he  charged  against  the  officer 
who  signed  the  Final  Statements. 

^The  officer  who  prepares  the  Final  Statement  of  a 
soldier  will,  at  least  one  day  before  the  discharge  takes 
effect,  send  by  mail,  to  the  paymaster  to  whom  the  sol- 


lA.  R.  788. 
2Cir.  31,  1898. 
3A.  R.  150. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  16' 3 

dier  may  wish  to  apply  for  payment,  a  notification  in 
his  own  handwriting,  in  form  as  follows: 

Major ,  Paymaster,  U,  8,  Army, 

Washington, 

Sir:    I  have  the  honor  to  advise  you  that  Private will 

be  discharged  the  service  of  the  United  States  on ,  1898,  by 

reason  of -.    (Here  state  the  reason.) 

The  soldier  was  last  paid  to ,  1898,  and  has  pay  due 

him  from  that  date  to  date  of  discharge. 

There  is  due  him  for  clothing  not  drawn  in  kind,  $ , 

(or,  He  is  indebted  to  the  United  States  for  clothing  overdrawn, 

$ ).    He  is  indebted  to  the  United  States  for  C.  &  G.  E.,  $ . 

For  court-martial  forfeiture,  $ . 

The  soldier  is  (or  is  not,  as  the  case  may  be)  entitled  to 
traveling  allowances. 

His  signature  appears  below. 

(Soldier's  signature:) 

Very  respectfully, 

Com'g  Co. ,  Regt. ,  Vols. 

^Soldiers  are  discharged  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  By  order  of  the  President  or  the  Secretary  of 
War. 

2.  By  sentence  of  a  general  court-martial. 

3.  On  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability  by  direc- 
tion of  the  commander  of  a  territorial  department  or 
army  in  the  field.  Department  and  corps  commanders 
are  authorized  to  order  discharge  on  certificates  of  dis- 


lA.  R.  140  and  G.  O.  100,  1898. 

-12— 


164  Customs  of  the  Service, 

ability,  such  orders  to  be  carried  out  by  the  regimental, 
independent  battalion,  battery,  or  detachment  com- 
mander, as  the  case  may  be,  and  the  Final  Statements 
should  show  the  authority  for  discharge  and  whether 
or  not  the  disability  was  caused  by  the  soldier's  own 
misconduct.  The  requirements  of  G.  O.  No.  100,  A.  G. 
O.  1898,  should  be  carefully  observed. 

4.  In  compliance  with  an  order  of  one  of  the 
United  States  courts,  or  a  justice- or  judge  thereof,  or 
on  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus. 

5.  By  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Under  the  head  of  "Remarks,"  the  notation,  "Ser- 
vice honest  and  faithful,"  or  "Service  not  honest  and 
faithful,"  as  the  case  may  be,  must  appear. 

Travel-pay  is  forfeited: 

1.  By  dishonorable  discharge,  per  sentence  of 
court-martial. 

2.  When  a  soldier  is  discharged  as  a  minor,  or 
for  other  cause  involving  fraud  on  his  part  in  the 
enlistment. 

3.  When,  at  date  of  discharge,  the  soldier  is  in 
the  hands  of  the  civil  authorities  and  undergoing  im- 
prisonment. 

4.  When  discharged  before  expiration  of  term  of 
enlistment  through  fault  of  his. 

5.  When  discharged  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of 
War,  or  by  corps  or  department  commander,  for  disa- 
bility, caused  by  his  own  misconduct. 


Gustams  of  the  Service.  165 

6.  When  discJiarged  by  way  of  favor,  as,  "to  en- 
able  him  to  accept  a  commission." 

If  for  any  of  the  above  causes  the  soldier  is  not  en- 
titled to  traveling  allowances,  the  notation,  "Not  en- 
titled to  traveling  allowances,"  must  appear,  and  the 
authority  for  the  same  must  be  stated. 

Clothing  Account 

Settlement  must  be  made  by  the  company  com- 
mander, and  the  balance  "due  the  United  States,"  or 
"due  the  soldier,"  must  be  stated. 

In  cases  where  clothing  has  been  issued  by  the 
State  authorities,  the  following  remark  will  be  made 
on  the  Final  Statements:  **In  the  settlement  for  cloth- 
ing is  included  the  sum  of  | ,  the  total  value  of 

articles  issued  him  by  the  State."  In  cases  where  no 
clothing  was  issued  by  the  State,  a  remark  to  that 
effect  will  be  made. 

^"By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  enlisted 
men  discharged  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  Hawaii,  the  Philip- 
pines, or  other  places  outside  of  the  United  States,  will 
be  provided  free  transportation  to  the  United  States  on 
Government  transports  upon  direction  of  the  command- 
ing officers  in  the  several  localities^,  and  will  be  sub- 
sisted by  the  Subsistence  Department  to  the  [ort  of 
destination.    They  will  not  be  entitled  to  travel  pay 

iG.  o.  5,  1899. 


166  Customs  of  the  Service, 

from  port  of  embarkation  to  the  United  States,  nor  to 
commutation  of  rations  for  the  time  so  subsisted  on 
the  transports.  The  fact  that  such  transportation  and 
subsistence  have  been  furnished  must  be  noted  on 
the  Final  Statements.  Paymasters,  when  paying  Final 
Statements  of  soldiers  discharged  under  above  condi- 
tions, will  include  in  such  payments  travel  allowances 
from  station  to  port  of  embarkation  and  from  port  of 
arrival  in  the  United  States  to  place  of  enlistment  or 
enrollment." 


U.  S.  ARMY  RECRUITING  CIRCULAR. 

The  following  instructions  will  govern  recruiting 
for  the  Regular  Army  in  time  of  war: 

Applicants  for  enlistment  must  be  between  the 
ages  of  18  and  35  years,  of  good  character  and  habits, 
able-bodied,  free  from  disease,  and  must  be  able  to 
speak  the  English  language. 

Married  men  will  be  enlisted  only  upon  the  ap- 
proval of  a  regimental  commander. 

Minors  must  not  be  enlisted  without  the  written 
consent  of  father,  only  surviving  parent,  or  legally 
appointed  guardian.  Boys  between  the  ages  of  16  and 
18,  who  may  be  needed  as  musicians,  may  be  enlisted 
as  such,  with  the  approval  of  the  proper  commanding 
oflQcer. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  167 

Original  enlistments  will  be  confined  to  persons 
who  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  or  who  have 
made  legal  declaration  of  their  intention  to  become 
citizens  thereof. 

Applicants  will  be  required  to  satisfy  the  recruit- 
ing officer  regarding  age  and  character,  and  should  be 
prepared  to  furnish  the  necessary  evidence. 

For  Infantry  and  Artillery  the  height- must  be  not 
less  than  Q^ve  feet  four  inches,  and  weight  not  less  than 
one  hundred  and  twenty  (120)  pounds  and  not  more 
than  one  hundred  and  ninety  (190)  pounds. 

For  Cavalry  the  height  must  not  be  less  than  five 
feet  four  inches  and  not  more  than  five  feet  ten  inches, 
and  weight  not  to  exceed  one  hundred  and  sixty-five 
(165)  pounds.  No  minimum  weight  is  prescribed  for 
Cavalry,  but  the  chest  measures  must  be  satisfactory. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  an  applicant  should  con- 
form exactly  to  the  figures  indicated  in  the  table  of 
proportions,  the  variation  of  a  few  pounds  in  weight 
either  way,  and  of  a  fraction  of  an  inch  in  chest  meas- 
ures, being  permissible. 

Applicants  must  defray  their  own  expenses  to  the 
place  of  enlistment.  Their  fitness  for  the  military  ser- 
vice can  be  determined  only  upon  examination  at  a 
military  post,  or  other  recruiting  station. 

The  term  of  service  is  three  years. 

All  soldiers  receive  from  the  Government  (in  addi- 


168  Customs  of  the  Service, 

tion  to  their  pay)  rations,  clothing,  bedding,  medicines, 
and  medical  attendance. 

Whenever  a  soldier  is  honorably  discharged  at  the 
expiration  of  his  enlistment,  or  on  account  of  disability 
not  caused  by  his  own  misconduct,  his  travel-pay  is 
ample  to  carry  him  to  the  place  of  enlistment. 

By  care  and  economy,  a  soldier  can  save  from  his 
clothing  allowance  a  considerable  sum,  payable  to  him 
on  his  discharge. 

For  soldiers  who  have  served  honestly  and  faith- 
fully twenty  years,  or  who  have  been  discharged  for 
wounds  received  or  disease  incurred  in  service,  a  com- 
fortable Home  is  maintained  in  the  city  of  Washington. 
The  sum  of  12|  cents  per  month  is  deducted  from  each 
soldier's  pay,  to  be  applied  toward  the  support  of  the 
Home.  ^After  thirty  years'  service,  enlisted  men  are 
entitled  to  be  retired,  and  upon  retirement  receive 
three-fourths  of  the  monthly  pay  allowed  by  law  to 
them  in  the  grade  they  held  when  retired,  and  |9.50  per 
month  as  commutation  for  clothing  and  subsistence 
Length  of  war  service,  with  the  Army,  Navy,  or  Marine 
Corps  during  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  will  be  doubled 
in  computing  the  thirty  years. 


lA.  R.  135  et  seq. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  169 


THE  SIGNAL  CODE. 

Flags  are  used,  according  to  the  light  or  shade  or 
background,  as  may  be  best  adapted  to  surrounding 
conditions. 

Wave  to  the  right  is  signal  for  one;  to  the  left,  for 
two;  to  the  front,  for  three. 

Important  messages  are  sent  in  cipher,  and  are,  of 
course,  unintelligible  from  the  Myei's  code  here  given. 

Letters. 


A., 

,..  22 

J.... 1122 

S.. 

. .  212 

B.. 

..2112 

K....2121 

T... 

,.   -2 

C. 

..  121 

L....  221 

IT... 

. .  112 

D.. 

..  222 

M....1221 

V... 

.1222 

E.. 

..  12 

N....  11 

W... 

,.1121 

F.. 

..2221 

0....  21 

X... 

.2122 

G.. 

..2211 

P.... 1212 

Y... 

.  Ill 

H.. 

, ..  122 

Q....1211 

Z... 

.2222 

I.. 

..   1 

R....MGG 
Numerals. 

ti3n. 

..1112 

1.. 

..nil 

4.... 2221 

7... 

.1222 

2.. 

..2222 

5.... 1122 

8... 

.2111 

3.. 

..1112 

6.... 2211 
0....2112 

9... 

.1221 

Abbreviations. 

a... after      b... before      c.ean      h...have      ii...not      r..are 

t the     u you     ur.your     w . .  .word     wi..with      y. .  yes 

End  of  word.  .3      End  of  sentence.  .33      End  of  message.  .333 


170  Customs  of  the  Service, 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

Colors, 

The  national  color  of  stars  and  stripes,  made  of 
silk,  5.6x4.4  inches,  for  regiments  and  the  battalion  of 
Engineers. 

The  battalion  color  will  be  of  scarlet  silk. 

The  regimental  color,  for  artillery,  of  scarlet  silk; 
for  infantry,  of  blue  silk;  the  regimental  standard  for 
cavalry  will  be  of  yellow  silk.  The  silken  national 
color  or  standard  will  be  carried  in  battles^  campaigns, 
and  on  all  occasions  of  ceremony  at  regimental  head- 
quarters in  which  two  or  more  companies  of  the  regi- 
ment participate. 

A  national  color  of  bunting  will  be  furnished  for 
use  at  drills  and  on  marches. 

Each  troop  of  cavalry  will  have  a  silken  guidon, 
the  upper  part  red  and  the  lower  whit^;  each  battery 
of  light  artillery,  a  like  guidon  of  scarlet  silk.  Service 
guidons  are  for  use  at  drills  and  on  marches. 

Camp  colors,  printed  upon  bunting,  18x20  inches. 

For  the  Secretary  of  War  the  flag  will  be  of  scar- 
let bunting,  12x6.8,  having  upon  it  an  eagle  with  out- 
stretched wings,  ....  in  each  corner  a  white  star. 

The  colors  will  be  of  scarlet  silk,  5.6x4.4, 

trimmed  with  white  knotted  fringe.  ... 


Customs  of  the  Service,  171 

Flags. 

The  national  flags  are  in  three  sizes:  the  garrison, 
issued  to  certain  designated  posts  only;  the  post,  20x10; 
the  storm,  8x4.2. 

Hospital  and  ambulance  flags,  of  white  bunting, 
with  a  red  cross. 

Salutes  with  Cannon. 

Salutes  will  be  fired  between  sunrise  and  sunset 
only,  and,  as  a  rule,  not  on  Sunday. 

The  salute  to  the  Union  consists  of  1  gun  for  each 
State,  and  is  fired  at  noon  on  July  4th. 

The  national  salute  is  21  guns.  Same  to  a  national 
flag. 

The  President,  both  on  his  arrival  at  and  departure 
from  a  military  post,  or  when  its  vicinity,  receives  a 
salute  of  21  guns. 

The  Vice-President,  the  President  of  the  Senate, 
and  ambassadors  receive  19  guns. 

Members  of  the  Cabinet,  the  Chief  Justice,  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  committees 
of  Congress  oflicially  visiting  a  military  post,  and 
governors  within  their  respective  States  or  Territories 
receive  17  guns. 

The  Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  15  guns. 

Envoys  and  ministers,  15  guns. 

Ministers  resident,  13  guns. 


172  Customs  of  the  Service. 

Charges  d'affaires,  11  guDS. 
Consuls-general,  9  guns. 
.    The  major-general  commanding  the  Army,  15  guns. 
A  major-general,  13  guns. 
A  brigadier  general,  11  guns. 
For  other  details  of  honors,  see  A.  R.  405  et  seq. 

Soldiers^  Home, 

A  deduction  of  12^  cents  per  month  is  made  from 
the  pay  of  soldiers  for  support  of  the  Soldiers'  Home 
at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Detached  Service. 

Enlisted  men,  when  detached  from  their  compa- 
nies, will  be  provided  with  descriptive  lists  showing 
pay  due  them,  condition  of  clothing  allowance,  and  all 
other  information  necessary  to  receiving  pay  and  set- 
tlement of  accounts  if  discharged.  This  descriptive 
list  should  be  sent  by  mail,  or  it  may  be  intrusted  to 
the  oflScer  or  non-commissioned  officer  in  charge  of  the 
party. 

The  following  enlisted  men  are  entitled,  at  public 
expense,  when  traveling  under  orders  on  public  busi- 
ness without  troops,  to  a  double  berth  In  a  sleeping-car 
or  to  the  customary  state-room  accommodations  on 
steamers  where  extra  charge  is  made  for  the  same:  ser- 
geant-majors, ordnance,  commissary,  and  quartermas- 
ter sergeants  (post  or  regimental),  hospital  stewards, 


Customs  of  the  Service. 


173 


chief  musicians,  principal  musicians,  chief  trumpeters, 
saddler  sergeants,  and  sergeants  of  the  Signal  Corps; 
also  invalid  soldiers  when  so  traveling,  on  the  certifi- 
cate of  a  medical  officer  showing  the  necessity  therefor. 

Officers^  Baggage, 

The  baggage  to  be  transported  at  public  expense, 
including  mess-chests  and  personal  baggage,  upon 
change  of  station,  will  not  exceed  the  following 
weights '} 


Major-General . , 

Brigadier  general    

Field  officer 

Captain.    

First  lieutenant      .  .  

Second  lieutenant 

Acting  assistant  surgreon 

Veterinary  surgeon    

Post  and  regfiraental  non-commissioned  staff  offi- 
cer, hospital  steward,  chief  musician,  and  ser- 
geant of  the  Signal  Corps,  each 


In  the 

Chang- 

Field. 

ing- 
vStation 

Pounds. 

Pounds. 

1,000 

3,500. 

700 

2,800 

500 

2,400' 

200 

2,000 

150 

1,700 

150 

1,500' 

150 

1,200^ 

150 

500" 

500 


^For  officers,  when  embarking  under  orders  for 
extended  service  over  the  sea  for  duty,  the  allowance 
of  baggage  to  be  transported  by  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  from  initial  point  to  port  of  embarkation 
and  from  port  of  destination  to  garrison  station  will  be 


lA.  R.  1119. 
2G.  O.  7,  1899. 


174  Customs  of  the  Service. 

three  times  the  allowance  prescribed  above  for  change 
of  station. 

There  is  no  public  necessity  demanding  that  the 
allowance  and  excess  be  separated  and  shipped  in  dif- 
ferent cars.  It  would  be  a  hardship  if  the  goods  would 
not  be  found  to  arrive  together.  If  an  officer  changing 
station  elects  to  make  a  shipment  of  his  entire  belong- 
ings in  a  car  in  the  interests  of  economy  to  himself,  he 
can  make  claim  for  reimbursement  of  the  amount  accru- 
ing on  his  allowance,  at  the  car-load  rate  paid  by  him. 
G.  O.  46,  A.  G.  0.  1897,  has  withdrawn  the  prohibition 
heretofore  contained  in  A.  R.  1118. 

Deceased  Soldiers. 
Upon  the  death  of  a  soldier,  his  immediate  com- 
mander is  required  to  secure  all  his  effects,  and,  in  the 
presence  of  two  ofiScers,  make  inventory  of  the  same, 
to  be  forwarded  with  Final  Statements  to  the  War 
Department.  If  the  effects  are  not  claimed  within 
thirty  days, they  will  be  sold  by  a  council  of  administra- 
tion and  the  proceeds  transferred  to  the  company  com- 
mander and  by  him  deposited  with  a  paymaster  to  the 
credit  of  the  United  States.  (  A.  W.  126-7;  Cir.  A.  G.  O. 
No.  27,  1897.)  The  remains  of  deceased  soldiers  will 
be  decently  inclosed  in  coffins  and  transported  by  the 
Quartermaster's  Department  to  the  nearest  national 
cemetery,  unless  otherwise  ordered.  The  other  ex- 
penses of  burial  are  limited  to  |35.00  for  each  enlisted 
man. 


Customs  of  the  Service.  175 

Public  Quarters — Officers^ 

^"Regarding  occupancy  of  public  quarters  at  mili- 
tary stations  by  families  of  officers  ordered  to  duty 
abroad,  the  Secretary  of  War  has  remarked  that  offi- 
cers belonging  to  the  garrison  at  any  post  must  be 
allowed  to  choose  quarters  as  prescribed  by  the  Regu- 
lations, and  thereafter  any  unoccupied  quarters  remain- 
ing may  be  assigned  in  such  manner  as  may  be  arranged 
by  the  post  commanders  to  families  of  officers  absent 
in  the  field  or  serving  abroad.  It  is  impossible  to  pre- 
scribe any  definite  method  to  be  pursued  as  to  the  dis- 
tribution of  quarters,  but  it  is  expected  that  families 
will  make  use  of  them  in  such  neighborly  manner  as  to 
accommodate  the  greatest  number.  Families  availing 
themselves  of  this  privilege  will  be  allowed  to  purchase 
stores  from  the  Commissary  and  Quartermaster's 
Departments  for  their  own  use.'' 

Loss  of  Private  Property. 

See  paragraph  723,  Army  Regulations,  G.  O.  No. 
35,  A.  G.  O.  1896,  and  Circular  No.  1,  A.  G.  O.  1897. 

Company  Records, 

The  company  records  will  consist  of:  a  company 
order  book,  a  book  of  letters  received  and  of  letters 
sent,   with   indexes,   council   book,   sick  report  book. 


iCir.  January   19,   1899. 


176  Customs  of  the  Service, 

clothing  book,  morning  report  book,  descriptive  book 
of  the  officers  and  men  who  have  ever  belonged  to  the 
company,  a  duty  roster,  and,  for  the  mounted  service, 
a  descriptive  book  of  public  animals.  A  record  of  vac- 
cinations will  be  entered  in  the  descriptive  book.  The 
records  will  also  contain  orders  and  instructions  re- 
ceived and  retained  copies  of  all  rolls,  reports,  corre- 
spondence, etc. 

Transfers. 

Transfers  will  only  be  made  for  cogent  reasons: 
from  one  company  to  another  of  the  same  regiment, 
not  involving  change  of  station,  by  the  colonel;  if  in- 
volving change  of  station  within  the  department,  with 
consent  of  the  department  commander.  From  one  regi- 
ment to  another,  by  the  commanding  general  of  the 
Army. 

Public  Property. 

Public  property,  expended,  lost,  or  destroyed,  must 
be  accounted  for  by  affidavits,  or  other  satisfactory 
evidence. 

Mourning. 

The  badge  of  military  mourning  is  a  knot  of  black 
crape  worn  upon  the  sword  hilt  for  a  period  not  to  ex- 
ceed thirty  days.     As  family  mourning,  officers  may 


Customs  of  the  Service.  177 

wear  a  straight  band  of  crape  five  inches  wide  around 
the  left  arm  above  the  elbow. 


Route  Step, 
Signal  for:  see  G.  O.  No.  69,  A.  G.  O.  1897. 

Manual  of  Arms  (Modified). 

Adaptation  of  the  manual  for  the  service  maga- 
zine rifle,  cal.  30,  to  the  Springfield  rifle,  cal.  45,  is  pub- 
lished in  Circular  No.  16,  War  Department,  A.  G.  O. 
1897. 

The  Post  Exchange. 

The  Post  Exchange  is  established  by  Army  Regu- 
lations (A.  R.  325),  and  the  experience  of  probably  every 
commanding  officer  in  the  Army  has  been  that  it  en- 
courages temperance,  contentment,  and  good  behav- 
ior. Its  main  object  is  to  provide  comforts  and  neces- 
sities for  the  men  and  to  regulate  the  sale  of  beer  to 
them  under  army  restrictions,  so  that  no  man  is  allowed 
any  excess;  no  whisky  or  strong  liquors  are  ever  sold. 
The  sales  are  made  nearly  at  cost,  instead  of  the  old 
sutler's  exorbitant  prices.  A  commissioned  officer  of 
the  Army  is  in  charge  of  the  business,  and  buys  only 
the  best  articles.  Two  of  the  captains,  with  the  Ex- 
change officer,  further  supervise  the  workings  of  the 


178  Customs  of  the  Service, 

Exchange,  and  any  profits  at  close  of  each  month  are 
divided  equitably  among  the  companies  for  the  exclu- 
sive benefit  of  the  soldiers'  mess.  A  point  to  be  remem- 
bered is  that  where  there  is  no  Canteen,  temptation  is 
held  out  to  the  soldier  to  buy  poisonous  stimulants  in 
the  groggeries  outside  the  camp,  with  the  usual  results. 
The  War  Department  has  not  yet  extended  this  system 
to  troops  in  the  field. 

Visiting  the  Fortifications. 

No  persons,  except  officers  of  the  Army  and  Navy 
of  the  United  States  and  persons  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States  employed  in  direct  connection  with  the 
use,  construction,  or  care  of  these  works,  will  be 
allowed  to  visit  any  portion  of  the  lake  and  coast  de- 
fenses of  the  United  States,  without  the  written  author 
ity  of  the  commanding  officer  in  charge,  and  he  will 
exercise  great  care  in  acting  upon  the  applications  to 
visit  the  works,  and  will  grant  such  only  as  may  be 
warranted  for  good  and  sufficient  military  reasons. 

THE  TRUMPET  CALLS. 

Rhyming  words  have  been  so  cleverly  fitted  by 
the  soldiers  themselves  that  the  very  notes  seem  to 
speak  the  meaning  expressed  by  the  call. 

For  instance,  for  Reveille  we  have  the  rousing 
refrain : 


Customs  of  the  Service.  179 

I  can't  get  'em  up,  I  can't  get  'em  up,  I  can't  get  'em  up  in  the 

morning; 
I  can't  get  'em  up,  I  can't  get  'em  up,  I  can't  get  'em  up  at  all; 
Corp'rals  worse  than  the  privates; 
Sergeants  worse  than  the  corp'rals; 
Lieut'nants  worse  than  the  sergeants, 
And  the  capt'ns  the  worst  of  all. 
Chorus — 
I  can't  get  'em  up,  I  can't  get  'em  up,  etc. 

For  Dinner  or  Mess  call  the  bugler  says: 

Soup-y,  soup-y,  soup, 

Without  a  single  bean; 
Pork-y,  pork-y,  pork, 

Without   a  streak  of  lean; 
Coffee,  coffee,  coffee. 

The  meanest  ever  seen! 

The  military  version  of  ^^Gabriel's  trump,"  or  Res- 
urrection call,  has  taken  the  place  of  the  old  drum  and 
fife  jingle: 

Come  and  get  your  quinine,  come  and  get  your  pills, 
Oh!  come  and  get  your  quinine,  come  and  get  your  pills. 

Which  summons  the  halt  and  lame  to  the  ^'sick  bay" 
and  the  doctor's  tender  mercies. 

In  the  Army  the  new  horses  have  to  be  carefully 
trained  to  accustom  their  ears  to  strange  noises,  espe- 
cially the  clanging  trumpet  notes,  which  inseparably 
accompany  the  "pomp  and  circumstance"  of  a  military 
life. 

That  they  may  be  even  better  accustomed  to  the 
meaning  of  these  sounds  than  the  soldiers  themselves 

—13— 


180  Customs  of  the  Service, 

is  evidenced  daily  in  the  life  of  a  cavalry  troop-horse. 
They  soon  learn  to  distinguish  the  calls  which  affect 
them  individually,  especially  the  Stable  call. 

Come  all  who  are  able  and  go  to  the  stable 
And  get  out  your  horses  and  give  'em  some  corn; 

For  if  you  don't  do  it,  the  col'nel  will  know  it, 
And  then  you  will  rue  it,  sure  as  you  *re  born. 

That  the  sound  of  this  martial  refrain  conveys  a 
distinct  meaning  to  them  other  than  the  oft-recurring 
calls  in  which  they  have  no  special  interest  is  evinced 
by  the  impatience  of  horses  out  on  herd  to  return  to  the 
picket  line  if  the  Stable  call  is  sounded  in  camp  some 
distance  away.  Their  restlessness,  raised  heads,  and 
eager  neighing  give  indisputable  evidence  of  the  fact 
that  they  recognize  this  call  above  all  others.  Like- 
wise when  turned  out  to  graze  the  herd  starts  towarS 
camp  of  their  own  accord  at  the  sourd  of  the  Recall, 
and  if  at  squadron  maneuvers,  and  the  drill  is  pro- 
longed a  trifle  beyond  the  sounding  of  the  Recall,  the 
troop-horses  manifest  much  greater  impatience  to  leave 
the  ranks  than  do  the  troopers,  seeming  to  know,  like 
their  riders,  that  the  regulation  drill  hour  has  passed 
and  that  the  troops  should  be  dismissed. 

They  soon  learn  to  recognize  the  Skirmish  and 
Squadron  Drill  calls,  and  to  distinguish  them  apart; 
Trot,  Gallop,  Halt,  Dismonnt,  Deploy,  Lie  Down,  Rise, 
are  frequently  understood  and  obeyed  as  readily  by  the 
horses  as  by  their  riders,  and  whether  or  not  the  troop- 


Customs  of  the  Service, 


181 


horse  is  guided  by  the  hand  on  his  bridle-rein,  his  sagac- 
ity is  such  that  he  rarely  or  never  loses  his  place  in 
the  ranks. 

The  signal  Taps,  the  final  call  at  11  p.  m.,  is  cred- 
ited to  Major  Truman  Seymour,  Fifth  United  States 
Artillery.  If  sounded  with  prolonged  notes  and  expres 
sion,  the  effect  suggests  "lights  out,"  and  custom  has 
established  it  at  military  funerals  as  a  finale  on  the 
trumpets  to  the  firing  salute. 


EXTINGUISH    LIGHTS-TAPS. 


.o^''''^'^. 


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LIEUT.-COLONBtv  ARTHUR  L.  WAGNER, 

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INFANTRY  FIRE;  ITS  USE  IN  BATTLE,  by  Jos.  B.  Batchelor,  Jr., 
First  Lieutenant  Twenty  fourth  United  States  Infantry. 
Handsomely  bound  in  leather  and  complete  with  tables 
and  illustrations.    Sent  post-paid  upon  receipt  of  price, 

$2.00. 


Hudson-Kimberly   Publishing  Co 

1014-1016  WyatidoUe  St.,  Kansas  City,  Mo. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY, 
BERKELEY 

THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 

STAMPED  BELOW 

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expiration  of  loan  period. 


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